Principles of Justice

Which of the following statements best describes the principle of merit?

• Distributing the same kind and amount of resources to everyone

• Allocating assets in a way that maximizes the general welfare of a society

• Giving out welfare and financial aid based off how much a person needs them

• The idea that the best people should get the most, and the worst people should get the least

Answer explanation

The honor of Valedictorian (top in your class) is given based on merit.

Mr. Williams has just been denied a job at the Pacific Power Company based off of his religious affiliation, what type of injustice is shown here?

• Environmental

• Social

• Procedural

• Corrective

According to John Rawls (Justice as Fairness), any inequalities in a system should benefit those that are….

• The worst off in a society

• The wealthiest in society

• The leaders of a society

• None of the above

Answer explanation

Remember, John Rawls thought of the concept of the Veil of Ignorance.

Giving everyone the same types and amounts of resources is an example of which material principle of justice?

• Need

• Merit

• Equality

• Social Utility

Dwight breaks Jim's arm in an incident in the market. According to their society’s laws, Jim has the right to break Dwight's arm. What form of punishment is at play here?

• Retributive

• Deterrence

• Corrective

• Procedural

Creed needs to go to the doctor. His right to assistance in seeing a doctor even if he can’t afford it for himself is an example of a:

• Positive Right

• Negative Right

Distributing resources based on people’s individual needs is an accurate description for which material principle of justice?

• Social Utility

• Need

• Equality

• Merit

Answer explanation

The principle of 'need-based' justice could also be consider the principal of 'proportionality'.

Giving job training and educational opportunities to inmates while they serve time in prison is an example of what approach to punishment?

• Retributive

• Rehabilitation

• Corrective

• Deterrence