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Philosophy · 03 / 08

Justice and freedom: distinguish criteria

Final-year concepts · Worked example and 4 exercises with solutions, at your pace.

Need a foundation?Philosophy: construct a problem
UnderstandSee an exampleGuided exercise3 progressive challenges

The principle, simply

Justice can mean rule compliance, equal treatment or justified distribution; these do not always coincide. Freedom may mean absence of obstacles or autonomy. An essay examines distinctions instead of selecting a slogan. State a thesis, test a counterexample and refine its conditions.

THE PICTURE TO REMEMBERJustice and freedom: distinguish criteria
  1. 01Criterion
  2. 02Concrete case
  3. 03Objection
  4. 04Conditions of justice

WORKED EXAMPLE

From principle to reasoning

Giving everyone identical help seems equal, but different needs may justify different help. Discuss the relevant criterion rather than treating every difference as unjust.

Solve a problem in this subject

  1. Distinguish concepts

    Define terms in context. Test two meanings with examples; a distinction often reveals the problem.

  2. Expose a difficulty

    State a plausible answer and a serious objection. Explain why each is defensible and how their tension concerns the exact question.

  3. Argue and examine

    Connect premises and conclusion. Explain how an example supports the reasoning and which conditions limit it.

  4. Develop a progression

    Each next answer should address the previous limit. Conclude from your reasoning without inventing author quotations.

YOUR TURN

01 · Try before checking

Is a lawful decision necessarily just?

One hint

Separate existing law from a criterion used to judge it.

Reveal and understand the solution

Not necessarily: legal validity and justification differ. Explain which conception of justice supports the evaluation.

Compare method, conditions and answer; identify the exact part to revisit.

IMPROVE THROUGH PRACTICE

Three additional challenges with solutions

Start with the first challenge. Write your method before opening a hint; use the solution to find the first step that needs work.

Reflect after practising
02 · Recognise and understandLink to this exercise

Is identical treatment always fair?

A hint to get started

Compare equal treatment with unequal circumstances.

Step-by-step solution
  1. Identical treatment provides one kind of equality.
  2. Different needs or barriers may justify adaptations.
  3. Defend a criterion of justice rather than assuming every difference is fair.

Which step did you miss? Retry without help, then explain why the method works.

03 · Apply the methodLink to this exercise

Must a legal rule be morally just?

A hint to get started

Legality and justice use different criteria.

Step-by-step solution
  1. Legality means conformity with current law.
  2. Justice involves a justified normative judgement.
  3. Critique must defend its criterion rather than merely express disagreement.

Which step did you miss? Retry without help, then explain why the method works.

04 · Go furtherLink to this exercise

Build a qualified answer to “Does law limit freedom?”

A hint to get started

Separate restrictions from conditions for shared freedom.

Step-by-step solution
  1. Some prohibitions directly restrict actions.
  2. Rules may also protect people from arbitrary power.
  3. The answer depends on content, legitimacy and safeguards.

Which step did you miss? Retry without help, then explain why the method works.

The trap to avoid

Describing law does not morally justify its content.

Without notes, can you…

  • Explain the principle in your own words?
  • Rebuild the diagram and its connections?
  • Solve the exercise and justify the method?

Choosing a state saves it in this browser. This is your assessment, not a grade.

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