Theory of Social Justice Applied in Hong Kong
Apply the theory of social justice proposed by John Rawls to analyze the social and economic system of Hong Kong and assess whether the system in Hong Kong meets the basic principles proposed by John Rawls.
Introduction
In this world of high income and social disparity between countries, cities, or even within the domestic territory, social justice seems remote and unachievable. To John Rawls, however, social justice is in fact realistically utopian and it is achievable.
The most influential theory that he proposed as well as the theory that he is primarily known for, is his theory of Justice as Fairness. In his theory, a society where social justice is done, should consist of free and equal persons. The citizens should possess political and personal liberties, enjoy equal opportunity and cooperative arrangements that benefit the more and the less advantaged members of society. Thus, according to John Rawls, individuals are regarded as equal and their society is considered as a fair system as long as they are cooperating with each other to make life better off, from one generation to the next.
Two fundamental principles, the Equal Liberty Principle and Difference Principle are derived from John Rawls’ theory of social justice. The two basic principles, which represent the core value of John Rawls’ theory of social justice, serve as the tool to evaluate Hong Kong’s social justice and fairness.
The social and economic system of Hong Kong
In Equal Liberty Principle, ‘each person has an equal right to a fully adequate scheme of equal basic liberties which is compatible with a similar scheme of liberties for all.’ According to John Rawls, these basic liberties are of overriding importance and should always be given priority. These basic liberties include namely freedom of thought, liberty of conscience, political liberties, freedom of association, freedoms specified by the liberty and integrity of the person as well as other rights and liberties covered
Introduction
In this world of high income and social disparity between countries, cities, or even within the domestic territory, social justice seems remote and unachievable. To John Rawls, however, social justice is in fact realistically utopian and it is achievable.
The most influential theory that he proposed as well as the theory that he is primarily known for, is his theory of Justice as Fairness. In his theory, a society where social justice is done, should consist of free and equal persons. The citizens should possess political and personal liberties, enjoy equal opportunity and cooperative arrangements that benefit the more and the less advantaged members of society. Thus, according to John Rawls, individuals are regarded as equal and their society is considered as a fair system as long as they are cooperating with each other to make life better off, from one generation to the next.
Two fundamental principles, the Equal Liberty Principle and Difference Principle are derived from John Rawls’ theory of social justice. The two basic principles, which represent the core value of John Rawls’ theory of social justice, serve as the tool to evaluate Hong Kong’s social justice and fairness.
The social and economic system of Hong Kong
In Equal Liberty Principle, ‘each person has an equal right to a fully adequate scheme of equal basic liberties which is compatible with a similar scheme of liberties for all.’ According to John Rawls, these basic liberties are of overriding importance and should always be given priority. These basic liberties include namely freedom of thought, liberty of conscience, political liberties, freedom of association, freedoms specified by the liberty and integrity of the person as well as other rights and liberties covered