What is the difference between positive and negative rights in distributive justice?

Philosophy Distributive Justice Questions



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What is the difference between positive and negative rights in distributive justice?

Positive rights and negative rights are two different concepts within the framework of distributive justice.

Negative rights refer to the absence of interference or restraint by others. They are rights that impose a duty on others to refrain from certain actions that would infringe upon an individual's freedom or autonomy. In the context of distributive justice, negative rights would involve the protection of an individual's property rights or the right to be free from coercion or harm.

On the other hand, positive rights entail an obligation on others to provide certain goods or services to individuals. These rights require active intervention or assistance from others to ensure that individuals have access to basic necessities or opportunities. In the context of distributive justice, positive rights might include the right to healthcare, education, or a minimum standard of living.

In summary, the main difference between positive and negative rights in distributive justice lies in the nature of the obligations they impose on others. Negative rights require others to refrain from certain actions, while positive rights require others to actively provide certain goods or services.