Why this matters now
Justice theories (Rawls, Sen) and rights-duties enrich GS-4 answers on equity, welfare and policy — and connect ethics to social justice and the Constitution.
Distributive justice
Distributive justice concerns the fair allocation of resources, opportunities and burdens in society. Approaches: egalitarian (equality), utilitarian (greatest overall welfare), libertarian (Nozick — entitlement, just acquisition), and need-based. The principle of equity (treating unequals differently to achieve fairness) guides affirmative action.
Rawls and Sen
John Rawls’ “Theory of Justice” proposed choosing principles behind a “veil of ignorance” — yielding equal basic liberties and the difference principle (inequalities are just only if they benefit the least advantaged). Amartya Sen’s capability approach shifts focus from resources to people’s real freedoms and capabilities to live valued lives.
Rights and duties
Rights are justified entitlements (to life, liberty, equality) — natural, legal, and human rights — correlated with duties (others’ obligations to respect them, and citizens’ duties to society). Good governance balances rights with responsibilities, and uses distributive justice to advance social justice and inclusive development.
UPSC angle
Know distributive justice (egalitarian/utilitarian/libertarian/need), Rawls (veil of ignorance, difference principle), Sen (capability approach), and rights-duties correlation. Apply to equity/welfare.
Frequently asked questions
What is distributive justice?
The principle concerning the fair allocation of resources, opportunities and burdens in a society.
What is Rawls’ veil of ignorance?
A thought experiment where principles of justice are chosen without knowing one’s own position in society, ensuring fairness.
What is Amartya Sen’s capability approach?
An approach that judges well-being by people’s real freedoms and capabilities to live lives they value, not just resources.
How are rights and duties related?
Rights are justified entitlements that correspond to duties — others’ obligations to respect them and citizens’ duties to society.