Justice is a core concern of social and political philosophy, dealing with the fair treatment of individuals and the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
Liberty refers to the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.
Equality signifies that all individuals are considered equal in status, rights, and opportunities. It is closely linked to justice and liberty.
| Type of Equality | Core Concept |
|---|---|
| Legal Equality | Every citizen is subject to the same laws without discrimination. |
| Social Equality | All people in a society have equal social status and opportunities. |
| Economic Equality | A reduction in wealth gaps and provision of equal opportunities for economic advancement. |
Social and political philosophy must address modern threats to the stability and ethical fabric of the state, specifically Terrorism and Insurgency.
Terrorism involves the use of intentional violence, typically against civilians, to create fear for political, religious, or ideological goals. Philosophically, it raises questions about the legitimacy of political violence and the balance between security and civil liberties.
Insurgency is a rebellious act against an established government or authority, often involving armed conflict by a group not recognized as a belligerent. Unlike terrorism, it usually seeks to seize territorial control or political power through a broader social movement.
Q: What is the relationship between Liberty and Equality?
A: They are often seen as complementary but sometimes in tension. Complete liberty for some can lead to inequality, while strict equality enforced by the state can restrict personal liberty.
Q: How is Insurgency different from a Revolution?
A: While both involve resistance to authority, a revolution typically aims for a total structural change of the entire system, whereas an insurgency might be more localized or limited in its initial political goals.
When discussing Justice, referencing its relation to Ethics and Sociology (as studied in Unit 1) will gain extra marks by showing inter-unit consistency.
Do not treat Terrorism and Insurgency as the same. Terrorism is primarily a tactic of fear, whereas Insurgency is a political-military strategy used to contest the state's sovereignty over a population.