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Ch 03 - Equality11th Political Theory
The Core Idea of Equality
Why is 'Equality' considered a powerful moral and political ideal?
Why is 'Equality' considered a powerful moral and political ideal?
CONCEPT
Equality as a Moral and Political Ideal
- Universal Worth: It asserts that all human beings possess an equal inherent worth, regardless of colour, gender, race, or nationality.
- Philosophical Basis: This worth is derived from our shared common humanity (often echoed in religious teachings claiming humans are creations of God).
- Political Application: It serves as the foundational justification for universal human rights and the legal categorization of 'crimes against humanity'.
- Historical Driver: It has been the primary rallying cry against systemic oppression, including struggles against feudal aristocracy (e.g., the French Revolution) and modern colonialism in Asia and Africa.
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The Paradox of Equality
What is the 'Paradox of Equality' in political theory?
What is the 'Paradox of Equality' in political theory?
CONCEPT
The Paradox of Equality
- The Ideal: Almost everyone, across varying cultures and political systems, accepts the moral ideal of equality.
- The Reality: Despite this universal acceptance, almost everywhere we encounter glaring, structural inequality (e.g., luxury high-rises adjacent to impoverished slums, food waste alongside starvation).
- The Core Question: This paradox forces political theorists to investigate: Is this inequality an inevitable fact of nature, or is it a consequence of flawed, human-made social rules?
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Equality of Opportunity
How does political theory define 'Equality of Opportunity', and does it mean treating everyone identically?
How does political theory define 'Equality of Opportunity', and does it mean treating everyone identically?
DEFINITION
Equality of Opportunity vs. Uniformity
- Not Absolute Identity: Treating people with equal respect does not mean treating them in an identical manner. Society recognizes functional hierarchies (e.g., a Prime Minister has special rank and security).
- Acceptable Differences: Status or reward differences based on individual merit—such as talent, acquired skills, and hard work—are generally considered acceptable and just.
- Unacceptable Differences: Inequalities dictated by factors beyond an individual's control, such as birth, religion, caste, or gender, are profoundly unjust.
- Core Definition: Equality of opportunity means ensuring that a person's rights and access to resources are not pre-determined by their birth or social circumstances.
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Also in this chapter
31 more cards to study in Prism
- 4Equality vs. Uniformity
- 5The Flaw of Uniform Assessment
- 6Natural vs. Social Inequalities
- 7Critique of Natural Inequality
- 8Three Dimensions of Equality
- 9Defining Political Equality
- 10Pursuing Social Equality
- 11Economic Equality & Entrenchment
- 12Measuring Economic Inequality
- 13Global Inequality Statistics
- 14Urban vs. Rural Infrastructure Disparities
- 15Caste-Based Education Inequality
- 16Economic Inequality vs. Democracy
- 17The Marxist Perspective on Inequality
- 18The Socialist Perspective on Inequality
- 19The Liberal Perspective on Inequality
- 20Liberalism vs. Socialism: The Root of Inequality
- 21Lohia's 5 Roots of Inequality
- 22Sapta Kranti (The Seven Revolutions)
- 23Defining Feminism & Patriarchy
- 24The Double Burden of Labor
- 25The Evolution of Feminist Demands
- 26Step 1: Establishing Formal Equality
- 27Right to Equality (Articles 14-18)
- 28Equality of Status
- 29Differential Treatment
- 30Defining Affirmative Action
- 31Reservations via Article 16(4)
- 32The Critique of Affirmative Action
- 33The Defense of Affirmative Action
- 34Comparative Inequality: USA vs. India
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