The Evolution of Justice in Jurisprudence: Perspectives from Rawls to Nozick
Shodh Drishti (An International Peer Reviewed Refereed Research Journal), Vol. 14, No. 5.2, May 2023, Pp. 240-246, UGC Approved Journal No. 49321
Posted: 8 May 2025 Last revised: 1 May 2025
Date Written: April 30, 2023
Abstract
Justice is a concept that has been debated by philosophers for centuries. From the ancient Greeks to modern-day thinkers, the definition of justice has evolved over time. In the 20th century, two prominent philosophers, John Rawls and Robert Nozick, presented opposing views on the concept of justice. Rawls argued for a fair and equal distribution of resources, while Nozick believed in individual rights and a laissez-faire approach to economics. In this article, we will explore the evolution of justice through the lenses of Rawls and Nozick, and how their ideas continue to shape modern day discussions on social and political justice. We will also examine other philosophers who have contributed to the discourse on justice and how their ideas have influenced contemporary political thought.
Keywords: Research Scholar, LL.B. (Hons.), LL.M. (Criminal Law), NET Justice, Laissez-faire, Distribution of resources, Evolution of justice, Political thought
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