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Equality

Equality

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4 views

Equality

Equality

Uploaded by

Rishabh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Social & Political Ideals

Equality: Aristotle

• The idea that "Equality does not mean treating


everyone equal" has been credited to various
figures such as Aristotle, Alexis de Tocqueville, and
Reinhold Niebuhr.
• Friedrich Hayek emphasized that treating people
equally can result in inequality due to their
differences.
• Judge of American Spureme court Ruth Bader
Ginsburg is widely recognized for this concept.
Equality for Laski

• Absence of special privileges.


• Secondly, equality means provision for adequate
opportunities to all.
• All must have access to social benefits and no one
should be restricted on any ground.
• Absence of economic and social exploitation.
Kinds of Equality

I. Legal Equality: Equal treatment under the law.


II. Political Equality: Equal participation in politics.
III. Socio-Economic Equality: Reducing economic disparities.
IV. Social Equality: Eradicating social hierarchies.
V. Proportional Equality: Fair distribution based on needs or contributions.
VI. Economic Equality: Equitable wealth distribution.
VII. Gender Equality: Equal treatment for all gender/sex.
Equality for Marx

- Marxism links inequality to private property.


- It advocates for abolishing private property for equality.
- Aims for a classless society devoid of social classes.
- Economic equality is fundamental, influencing other forms of equality.
- Questions the State's ability to achieve equality through policies alone.
- Economic equality enhances freedom by preventing poverty.
- Legal and political equality rely on fair access to social resources in
Marxism.
Difference B/w Equity and Equality For Marx

Equality:
• Focuses on equal treatment and distribution of resources.
• Often associated with liberal ideologies.
• Advocates for equal opportunities and rights for all individuals.
• Does not address underlying systemic injustices.

Equity:
• Emphasizes fairness and justice in resource distribution.
• Central to Marxian philosophy.
• Strives for proportional distribution based on need and contribution.
• Aims to address systemic inequalities and dismantle capitalist
structures.
Difference Democratic vs Marxian Equality

Democratic Equality:
• Emphasizes equal political rights and opportunities within a
democratic framework.
• Focuses on equal participation and representation in decision-making
processes.
• Rooted in liberal democratic values and institutions.
• Protects individual liberties while promoting social cohesion.

Marxian Equality:
• Prioritizes economic and social equality over political equality.
• Advocates for the abolition of class distinctions and redistribution of
wealth.
• Challenges capitalist structures and promotes collective ownership of
resources.
• Aims to eliminate exploitation and create a classless society.
Equality & Liberty: Complimentary

• G.D.H. Cole and Laski argue that political liberty is meaningless without economic
equality.
• Amartya Sen contends that liberty can coexist with social security, equality,
efficiency, community, individuality, and pluralism.
• Some Western liberal thinkers view liberty and equality as complementary
principles.
• They argue that freedom should not be limited by wealth or social status.
• Hume, Rousseau, Barker, and Laski advocate for the interdependence of liberty
and equality.
• Both principles aim to foster individual personality and societal improvement.
• Peace, order, and security are crucial for the promotion of both liberty and
equality.
Equality & Liberty: Anthithetical

• "Liberty for wolves is death to the lambs.“- Isaiah Berlin


• Liberty and Equality are antithetical or incompatible
• They are naturally contradictory.
• Liberty means absence of restraint, while equality needs some
leveling.
• Economic status depends on personal ability rather than societal
intervention.
• Equality can lead to negation of private property rights.
• Increasing state powers for equality can threaten liberty.
• History shows that economic equality has led to increased state
powers, often infringing on citizen rights.
Natural/Artificial Inequality: JJ Rousseau

Natural Inequality:
• Arises from inherent physical differences.
• Limited impact on social relations.
• Deemed acceptable by Rousseau.

Artificial Inequality:
• Result of human society and its structures.
• Stemming from human choices.
• Considered unjust and harmful by Rousseau.
• Source of social conflict and moral decline.
Previous Years’ Questions

1. Explain the difference between the notion of equity and equality with reference to Marxian philosophy. (2022/15)

2. How does Rousseau distinguish between natural and artificial inequality? Explain. (2021/10)

3. “Equality does not mean treating everyone equal”. Discuss. (2015/10)

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