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Justice-Based System

Definition

A justice-based system is a moral perspective that emphasizes fairness and equality. It's often associated with the belief that rules should be universally applied, regardless of individual circumstances.

Analogy

Think of a justice-based system like a referee in a soccer game. The referee applies the same rules to all players, no matter who they are or what their personal situation might be.

Related terms

Deontological Ethics: This is an approach to ethics that focuses on the morality of actions themselves, rather than their outcomes. In other words, it's about following rules because they're inherently right, not because they lead to good results.

Social Contract Theory: This theory suggests that people live together in society in accordance with an agreement that establishes moral and political rules of behavior. It's another way of thinking about fairness and equality.

Utilitarianism: This is a theory in normative ethics which states that the best action is the one that maximizes overall "happiness". While it also concerns itself with fairness, it differs from a justice-based system by focusing more on outcomes than on universal principles.