Define Distributive Justice.

Distributive justice is a concept within political philosophy and ethics that concerns the fair allocation of resources, opportunities, and benefits in a society. It addresses the question of how goods and burdens should be distributed among individuals and groups to achieve a just and equitable society. The focus of distributive justice is on the principles that guide the distribution of wealth, income, and other resources to ensure a fair and inclusive social structure.

Various theories of distributive justice propose different principles for the equitable distribution of societal goods. John Rawls, for instance, introduced the "difference principle," suggesting that inequalities are acceptable only if they benefit the least advantaged members of society. Utilitarian approaches may prioritize maximizing overall well-being, while other theories may emphasize equal distribution or need-based principles.

Distributive justice is often applied to economic systems, public policies, and social institutions to assess whether they contribute to fair outcomes for all members of a community. It plays a crucial role in shaping debates about taxation, social welfare programs, and the structure of economic and political institutions, with the ultimate goal of fostering a just and harmonious society.