Theories of Justice: Explore the Foundations of Fairness

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of libertarianism?

Accepted Answer

Support for a comprehensive welfare state

Answer

Emphasis on individual liberty

Answer

Rejection of government intervention in the economy

Answer

Belief in the importance of private property rights

Question 2

A just distribution of resources, according to John Rawls' theory of justice, is one that:

Accepted Answer

Maximizes the welfare of the least advantaged individuals

Answer

Ensures that everyone has a basic level of resources

Answer

Prioritizes the needs of the majority

Answer

Distributes resources equally among all individuals

Question 3

In libertarian theory, the primary role of the state is to:

Accepted Answer

Protect individual rights and liberties

Answer

Provide comprehensive social welfare programs

Answer

Promote economic growth and development

Answer

Regulate social behavior and morality

Question 4

Amartya Sen's capability approach to justice emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

The freedoms and choices that people have

Answer

The resources and opportunities that people have

Answer

The outcomes and achievements that people attain

Answer

The virtues and character traits that people possess

Question 5

Which of the following philosophers is NOT associated with the development of egalitarian thought?

Accepted Answer

Friedrich Nietzsche

Answer

John Locke

Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Question 6

The concept of 'luxury goods' in Rawls' theory of justice refers to:

Accepted Answer

Goods that are not essential for basic well-being

Answer

Goods that are necessary for a decent life

Answer

Goods that are only accessible to the wealthy

Answer

Goods that are harmful to individuals

Question 7

In John Rawls' theory of justice, what is the purpose of the 'veil of ignorance'?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that individuals design a just society without bias from their own social position

Answer

To punish individuals who violate principles of justice

Answer

To prioritize the protection of the most vulnerable members of society

Question 8

Which principle is NOT considered essential to a just society in egalitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Reward based on merit

Answer

Equitable distribution of resources

Answer

Equal opportunities for all

Answer

Equal protection under the law

Question 9

The 'greatest happiness principle' is a foundational concept in which ethical theory?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Contractualism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 10

One major criticism of consequentialist theories of justice is that they:

Accepted Answer

May justify unequal distribution

Answer

Disregard individual rights

Answer

Are overly abstract and impractical

Answer

Always lead to moral dilemmas

Question 11

Which philosopher argued that citizens have a moral obligation to obey the law, regardless of its content?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Hobbes

Answer

John Locke

Answer

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Answer

David Hume

Question 12

According to egalitarian theories, what is the primary requirement for justice?

Accepted Answer

Equal distribution of social and economic benefits

Answer

Equal opportunities for individuals to achieve success

Answer

Equal treatment under the law

Question 13

Which theory of justice emphasizes the paramount importance of individual liberty?

Accepted Answer

Libertarianism

Answer

Egalitarianism

Answer

Communitarianism

Question 14

According to communitarian theory, the basis of justice lies in:

Accepted Answer

Shared values and norms within a particular community

Answer

Universal principles of morality that transcend cultural boundaries

Answer

Individual autonomy and the pursuit of self-interest

Question 15

Which fundamental principle of utilitarianism prioritizes maximizing the overall happiness or well-being of the greatest number of people?

Accepted Answer

The greatest good for the greatest number

Answer

Individualism

Answer

Equality of opportunity

Answer

Natural rights

Question 16

According to egalitarian theories of justice, what is the primary goal that society should strive to achieve?

Accepted Answer

Minimizing social and economic disparities

Answer

Maximizing overall happiness

Answer

Protecting individual liberties

Answer

Preserving traditional values

Question 17

Which influential philosopher is widely recognized as the founder of modern libertarianism?

Accepted Answer

John Locke

Answer

David Hume

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

Karl Marx

Question 18

According to Nozick's libertarian theory, which of the following is considered a fundamental and inviolable human right?

Accepted Answer

The right to property

Answer

The right to life

Answer

The right to a fair trial

Answer

The right to vote

Question 19

Which theory of justice places significant emphasis on the importance of social cooperation and interdependence among individuals?

Accepted Answer

Communitarianism

Answer

Libertarianism

Answer

Egalitarianism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 20

Robert Nozick's entitlement theory of justice emphasizes which principle in resource distribution?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing individual rights, particularly property rights

Answer

Maximizing overall happiness

Answer

Ensuring equal shares for all

Answer

Allowing substantial government control over resource allocation

Question 21

Libertarian critics contend that the welfare state:

Accepted Answer

Infringes on property rights

Answer

Promotes individual autonomy

Answer

Mitigates social disparities

Question 22

Which of the following best defines the utilitarian principle of justice?

Accepted Answer

Justice is realized when the greatest possible happiness is achieved for the greatest number of people.

Answer

Justice requires the equal distribution of resources among all individuals.

Answer

Justice entails the protection of fundamental individual rights and freedoms.

Answer

Justice is determined by adherence to societal norms and established moral principles.

Question 23

Egalitarian theories of justice prioritize which factor in assessing a distribution's fairness?

Accepted Answer

The well-being of the least advantaged individuals.

Answer

The overall maximization of societal happiness.

Answer

The protection of individual rights and freedoms.

Answer

The adherence to established societal norms.

Question 24

Identify the primary critique of utilitarianism.

Accepted Answer

It can justify sacrificing the interests of minorities for the majority's benefit.

Answer

It is challenging to measure and compare happiness objectively.

Answer

It neglects the significance of individual rights and freedoms.

Answer

It assumes that all individuals have an equal capacity for happiness.

Question 25

Which principle is NOT included in John Rawls' theory of justice?

Accepted Answer

The principle of maximizing overall utility.

Answer

The principle of individual liberty.

Answer

The difference principle.

Answer

The veil of ignorance.

Question 26

In the social contract theory, what serves as the foundation for the state's authority?

Accepted Answer

The consent of those governed.

Answer

The divine right of monarchs.

Answer

The superiority of the ruling class.

Answer

The power of the law.

Question 27

Which theory of justice places the highest value on individual freedom?

Accepted Answer

Libertarianism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Egalitarianism

Answer

Marxism

Question 28

Summarize the difference principle proposed by John Rawls.

Accepted Answer

Social and economic inequalities can be justified if they ultimately benefit the least advantaged members of society.

Answer

All citizens possess equal rights and freedoms.

Answer

The government should prioritize maximizing overall societal welfare.

Answer

The state is responsible for safeguarding individual liberty.

Question 29

Which principle is central to utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing overall happiness

Answer

Protecting individual rights

Answer

Promoting equality of outcome

Answer

Enhancing individual freedom

Question 30

According to egalitarian theory, justice involves:

Accepted Answer

Equal opportunities and outcomes for all

Answer

Prioritizing those who contribute more

Answer

Protecting individual autonomy

Answer

Maximizing overall well-being

Question 31

Libertarianism emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Individual liberty and limited government

Answer

Social equality and government intervention

Answer

Utilitarian principles and maximizing happiness

Answer

Fairness and equal distribution of resources

Question 32

Which aspect do egalitarian theories prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Distributive justice and reducing inequality

Answer

Individual rights and personal choice

Answer

Overall well-being and collective happiness

Answer

Protecting the interests of the wealthy

Question 33

Which view is often associated with libertarianism?

Accepted Answer

Free markets and limited government involvement

Answer

Extensive government intervention and social welfare

Answer

Centralized planning and state ownership

Answer

Protection of minority rights and social justice

Question 34

What is a strength of utilitarian theory?

Accepted Answer

Justifying policies based on their consequences

Answer

Ensuring individual rights are always protected

Answer

Promoting fairness and equal treatment

Answer

Being easily applicable and measurable

Question 35

Who is associated with the concept of 'justice as fairness'?

Accepted Answer

John Rawls

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Answer

Jeremy Bentham

Answer

Robert Nozick

Question 36

Which principle is central to utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing overall happiness

Answer

Fair distribution of resources

Answer

Individual liberty

Answer

Accepting any means to achieve desired outcomes

Question 37

What is the fundamental principle of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Justice is maximizing happiness for the greatest number.

Answer

Individuals hold inviolable rights that must be respected.

Answer

Resources should be distributed based on merit.

Answer

Government intervention is necessary to achieve equality.

Question 38

Which of the following is a key strength of egalitarian theories?

Accepted Answer

Promoting equality of opportunity and outcomes.

Answer

Respecting individual autonomy and freedom.

Answer

Encouraging economic prosperity.

Answer

Being easy to implement in practice.

Question 39

According to Nozick's entitlement theory of justice, the 'Lockean proviso' states:

Accepted Answer

Individuals have a right to acquire property through just means, as long as they do not violate the rights of others.

Answer

The government has a responsibility to redistribute wealth to promote equality.

Answer

Individuals are born with inherent and equal rights to natural resources.

Answer

The government's primary role is to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens.

Question 40

In a just society, the role of punishment should ideally:

Accepted Answer

Encompass all of the aforementioned purposes.

Answer

Deter crime and protect society.

Answer

Rehabilitate offenders and provide them with opportunities for reform.

Answer

Express society's condemnation of wrongdoing.

Question 41

The primary focus of egalitarian theories of justice is to ensure:

Accepted Answer

Equal rights, opportunities, and outcomes for all individuals.

Answer

Prioritizing the welfare and well-being of the least fortunate in society.

Answer

Protecting and preserving individual liberty and autonomy.

Answer

Establishing a hierarchical distribution of power and resources based on merit.

Question 42

Which of the following is the primary focus of libertarianism?

Accepted Answer

Protecting individual liberty and autonomy.

Answer

Promoting social welfare and equality.

Answer

Intervening in the economy to ensure fairness.

Answer

Promoting community and shared values.

Question 43

The main distinction between utilitarianism and deontology lies in:

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism prioritizes consequences, while deontology emphasizes duties.

Answer

Deontology values individual autonomy, while utilitarianism does not.

Answer

Utilitarianism requires weighing interests, while deontology does not.

Answer

Deontology allows for the violation of individual rights, while utilitarianism does not.

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT a recognized type of egalitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Equality of subjective experiences.

Answer

Equality of opportunity.

Answer

Equality of well-being.

Answer

Equality of power.

Question 45

One of the primary arguments used to support libertarianism is:

Accepted Answer

The protection of individual freedoms.

Answer

The promotion of economic efficiency.

Answer

The guarantee of social equality.

Answer

The establishment of the most just system for all.

Question 46

A potential challenge to libertarianism is:

Accepted Answer

Balancing individual liberty with collective responsibilities.

Answer

Ensuring an equitable distribution of resources.

Answer

Preventing harm to others.

Answer

Fostering a sense of community and shared values.

Question 47

The concept of 'distributive justice' primarily concerns:

Accepted Answer

The fair distribution of societal resources and benefits.

Answer

The appropriate punishment for criminal offenses.

Answer

The allocation of rights and responsibilities among citizens.

Answer

The protection of individual liberties from government infringement.

Question 48

Jeremy Bentham is most closely associated with which ethical theory?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism.

Answer

Kantianism.

Answer

Rawlsianism.

Answer

Libertarianism.

Question 49

The central principle of utilitarianism is:

Accepted Answer

Maximizing overall happiness for the majority.

Answer

Distributing resources equally among all individuals.

Answer

Protecting individual rights and freedoms.

Answer

Ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve their goals.

Question 50

According to egalitarianism, the primary focus of distribution should be on:

Accepted Answer

Resources.

Answer

Opportunities.

Answer

Happiness.

Answer

Power.