Definition Argument: Social Justice

Essay #2 – Definition Argument – Social Justice A socially just and equal society is arguably one of the most important things a community can hope to establish for itself, as every human being has a set of basic rights that demand to be valued and understood. However, the way those rights are interpreted is theoretically an objective concept which varies from religion to religion, from government to government, and from philosopher to philosopher. A select number of societies have either subverted, or in some instances, completely ignored, the practice altogether. As a result of this, the “true” meaning of social justice has become incredibly blurred. While a general understanding of the idea has been established in the minds of most individuals,
Despite the term’s controverted nature, I can firmly say that the truest definition of social justice is the promotion of freedom, tolerance, and equality for all, regardless of race, gender, religion, national origin, handicap, sexual orientation, social status, or the like. As stated in the paragraph above, it should be made clear that most institutions approach social justice in a similar fashion, which can be generalized as a common understanding of human rights and valuing human dignity. Despite this, a vast number of advocacy groups have emerged in recent years in response to political discourse and human rights concerns. Their primary focus is not just in economically depressed parts of the world, but within their own borders as well. These groups actively promote innovative solutions to social challenges and new ways of thinking about such issues. The
In regards to Christianity, a Jesuit priest named Luigi Taparelli first coined the term “social justice” in 1840, basing the concept almost entirely on the teachings of Saint Thomas Aquinas (“Social Justice”). Taparelli described social justice as being a distinctive blend of communitive and distributive justice, which placed great emphasis on the redistribution of wealth and charity (Zeigler). Christians perceive social justice as being a prime example of “Christ-like” behavior, treating it as a necessity of their faith. Those of the Jewish faith apply a similar approach. According to Proverbs 31:9, the Torah commands that not only must one give to the poor, but one must advocate for them on their behalf as well (“Jewish Views On Economic Justice”). However, the role that politics play in this matter tends to contradict religions indoctrination. While the key ideas of social justice behind Libertarianism and Egalitarianism are fairly similar in comparison to those of Christianity and Judaism, they possess multiple flaws. For instance, while Christianity places strong emphasis on charity and the redistribution of wealth, Richard Nozick claims in his 1974 book Anarchy, State, and Utopia, that the state may not legally engage in the legislation of morals or the redistribution of income and wealth (Purest Café). Nozick, an