Amartya Sen argues for a theory of comparative justice, not one focused on an ideally just state. He contends that contemporary theories have taken a wrong direction by aiming for perfect justice, when what is urgently needed are practical judgments that identify movements toward or away from justice in the current globalized world. This approach emphasizes the role of public reason in establishing less unjust societies.
Sen's theory embraces pluralism and competing viewpoints, suggesting that the nature of reasoning about justice inherently allows for multiple, well-defended positions. This understanding of reasoning allows for the construction of a theory that can incorporate diverse perspectives, moving beyond parochialism to address global injustices. Readers gain an understanding of how to make practical judgments about societal progress towards justice.
Key concepts
- Comparative justice — A theory focused on judgments about when and why societies move closer to or farther from realizing justice.
- Public reason — The role of reasoned discourse in establishing less unjust societies.
- Pluralism in justice reasoning — The acceptance of divergent and competing, yet well-defended, positions on justice.
- Global injustice — The need to address issues of injustice that transcend national boundaries.