Philosophy Distributive Justice Questions Medium
The concept of desert in relation to distributive justice refers to the idea that individuals should receive what they deserve based on their actions, efforts, or contributions. It is a principle that seeks to allocate resources, opportunities, and rewards in a fair and just manner.
In distributive justice, desert is often contrasted with other principles such as equality or need. While equality focuses on equal distribution regardless of individual differences, and need emphasizes providing resources based on individuals' necessities, desert argues that individuals should receive what they deserve based on their merits.
The concept of desert is rooted in the belief that individuals should be rewarded or punished based on their own actions and choices. It suggests that those who work harder, contribute more, or excel in certain areas should be entitled to a greater share of resources or rewards. Conversely, those who do not put in effort or engage in harmful actions should receive less or face consequences.
However, determining what individuals truly deserve can be complex and subjective. Different theories of desert exist, such as the merit-based theory, which argues that individuals should receive resources or rewards based on their abilities and achievements. On the other hand, the effort-based theory suggests that individuals should be rewarded based on the amount of effort they put into their actions, regardless of the outcome.
Critics of the concept of desert argue that it can perpetuate existing inequalities and disadvantage certain groups. They claim that factors such as social background, systemic biases, and unequal opportunities can influence individuals' abilities to achieve or contribute. Therefore, they argue that distributive justice should prioritize addressing these structural inequalities rather than solely relying on desert-based principles.
In conclusion, the concept of desert in relation to distributive justice emphasizes the idea that individuals should receive what they deserve based on their actions, efforts, or contributions. It is a principle that seeks to allocate resources and rewards in a fair and just manner. However, determining what individuals truly deserve can be complex, and critics argue that it should be balanced with addressing structural inequalities.