Module 1: Foundations of Justice

1. Why Justice Matters

Every society has rules.

But not every society is just.

Justice is more than law. It is about fairness, dignity, and what we owe each other as human beings.

In this course, we ask not only what is legal, but what is right.

We will explore justice through philosophy, law, history, and real-life cases.

2. Common Definitions of Justice

Different thinkers and cultures define justice in various ways. Here are four major types:

• Distributive Justice: Fair distribution of wealth, resources, and opportunities

• Retributive Justice: Fair punishment for wrongdoing

• Restorative Justice: Repairing harm and restoring relationships

• Procedural Justice: Fair and transparent legal processes

Each definition focuses on a different aspect of the human experience.

No single model can explain everything — but each adds value to our understanding.

3. Justice vs. Law

Law is not always just.

Justice is not always legal.

Historical examples:

• Slavery was legal

• Denying women the right to vote was legal

• Apartheid in South Africa was legal

• Speaking out for freedom has often been illegal

Justice invites us to question the law when necessary — not just obey it blindly.

4. Key Philosophical Theories of Justice

Here are some of the most influential thinkers and their ideas:

• Plato: Justice is harmony — everyone doing their proper role in society

• Aristotle: Treat equals equally and unequals unequally, based on merit

• Thomas Hobbes: Justice keeps peace and prevents chaos; it requires a strong authority

• John Locke: Justice protects natural rights — life, liberty, and property

• John Rawls: Justice is fairness — imagine rules created behind a “veil of ignorance”

• Robert Nozick: Justice means respecting liberty and property — even if it leads to inequality

• Amartya Sen: Justice should focus on actual human outcomes, not abstract ideals

No one theory is perfect. Each has strengths and weaknesses.

This course will teach you to compare, challenge, and choose with care.

5. Case Studies and Contradictions

Justice is not abstract — it’s everywhere in real life. Consider:

• The death penalty: Is it fair retribution or irreversible injustice?

• Universal healthcare: Is it a basic right or an economic luxury?

• Civil disobedience: Is it a crime or a heroic act of conscience?

• Taxation: Is it redistribution or legalized theft?

These are not just political questions — they are justice questions.

6. The Central Dilemma

Every villain believes they are the hero.

Every tyrant claims to act in the name of justice.

That’s what makes justice so dangerous — and so essential.

We must always ask:

• Justice for whom?

• Decided by whom?

• At the cost of what?

7. Discussion Questions

1. Can justice ever be universal, or is it always cultural?

2. Which kind of justice (distributive, retributive, restorative, procedural) matters most to you — and why?

3. Can unjust laws ever be obeyed ethically?

4. Is there a difference between fairness and justice?

Assignment (Optional)

Write a short reflection on a moment when you experienced or witnessed injustice.

Then answer:

• What kind of injustice was it?

• Who had the power?

• What would justice have looked like in that situation?

• Which philosopher’s view of justice matches your experience?

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Lesson 2 – The Myth of Consent - Justice and the Social Contract