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Models of distributive justice.
1Department of Philosophy, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Summary
This study explores philosophical theories of justice, including mutual advantage, reciprocity, and impartiality. It questions if these justice models can apply to non-human animal behavior.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy
- Ethics
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Philosophical discourse on justice involves substantial and fundamental questions.
- Key debates center on conditions for just/unjust distributive arrangements and the intrinsic nature of justice itself.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate and contrast three primary philosophical conceptions of justice: mutual advantage, reciprocity, and impartiality.
- To analyze the divergent implications of each justice model for identifying and resolving justice-related issues.
- To explore the potential applicability of these justice frameworks to the behavior of non-human animals.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of philosophical theories of justice.
- Comparative examination of justice models: mutual advantage, reciprocity, and impartiality.
- Exploratory consideration of interspecies justice applications.
Main Results:
- Justice as mutual advantage frames justice around bargaining outcomes and equitable distribution of benefits/burdens.
- Justice as reciprocity focuses on fair return and equal exchange.
- Justice as impartiality emphasizes adopting another's perspective ('how would you like it if it happened to you?').
Conclusions:
- Each justice model presents distinct criteria for the emergence and resolution of justice issues.
- The applicability of human-centric justice models to non-human animal interactions remains an open and intriguing question.
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