Q.1 Which philosopher is most closely associated with the concept of 'justice as fairness'?
Aristotle
John Rawls
Plato
Karl Marx
Explanation - John Rawls developed the theory of 'justice as fairness' which includes principles like the veil of ignorance and the difference principle.
Correct answer is: John Rawls
Q.2 What is distributive justice primarily concerned with?
Fair allocation of resources
Punishment for crimes
Political participation
International relations
Explanation - Distributive justice focuses on the equitable distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society.
Correct answer is: Fair allocation of resources
Q.3 Which theory argues that inequality is justified if it benefits the least advantaged members of society?
Utilitarianism
Libertarianism
Rawlsian justice
Marxism
Explanation - John Rawls’ Difference Principle allows inequalities only if they improve the situation of the least advantaged members of society.
Correct answer is: Rawlsian justice
Q.4 Egalitarianism advocates for:
Strict equality of outcomes
Complete freedom without restrictions
Hierarchy based on merit
Privileged classes
Explanation - Egalitarianism is a philosophy that emphasizes equal rights, opportunities, and, in some interpretations, equal outcomes for all individuals.
Correct answer is: Strict equality of outcomes
Q.5 Which concept refers to fairness in procedures rather than outcomes?
Distributive justice
Procedural justice
Retributive justice
Social contract
Explanation - Procedural justice focuses on the fairness and transparency of the processes used to make decisions, rather than the results themselves.
Correct answer is: Procedural justice
Q.6 According to Karl Marx, justice is achieved when:
Everyone has the same income
Class distinctions are abolished
Laws are applied equally
Merit determines reward
Explanation - Marx believed that justice is inherently tied to the elimination of class-based exploitation and the establishment of a classless society.
Correct answer is: Class distinctions are abolished
Q.7 Which philosopher emphasized the role of virtue in achieving justice?
Aristotle
John Rawls
Thomas Hobbes
Immanuel Kant
Explanation - Aristotle’s concept of justice is closely linked with virtue ethics, suggesting that a just society promotes moral development.
Correct answer is: Aristotle
Q.8 Affirmative action policies are primarily intended to promote:
Equality of opportunity
Equality of outcome
Market efficiency
Individualism
Explanation - Affirmative action aims to level the playing field by providing historically disadvantaged groups with better access to education and jobs.
Correct answer is: Equality of opportunity
Q.9 Rawls’ 'veil of ignorance' is a tool to:
Eliminate personal biases in decision-making
Ensure legal compliance
Maximize profit
Determine punishment
Explanation - The veil of ignorance asks decision-makers to design society without knowing their own social position, ensuring impartiality.
Correct answer is: Eliminate personal biases in decision-making
Q.10 Which type of justice deals with correcting wrongs or harm caused to individuals?
Distributive justice
Procedural justice
Retributive justice
Social justice
Explanation - Retributive justice is concerned with punishment and correction for wrongdoings to maintain social order and fairness.
Correct answer is: Retributive justice
Q.11 Libertarian views on justice prioritize:
Individual freedom and property rights
Equality of outcome
Social welfare programs
State-controlled economy
Explanation - Libertarians emphasize minimal state interference and maximum personal freedom, including protection of private property.
Correct answer is: Individual freedom and property rights
Q.12 The concept of 'social justice' emphasizes:
Fairness in social structures
Maximizing individual wealth
Strict adherence to tradition
Legal formalism only
Explanation - Social justice focuses on reducing inequalities and ensuring fairness across societal institutions.
Correct answer is: Fairness in social structures
Q.13 Which approach argues that justice depends on promoting the greatest good for the greatest number?
Utilitarianism
Libertarianism
Rawlsian justice
Egalitarianism
Explanation - Utilitarianism, proposed by philosophers like Jeremy Bentham, judges actions and policies based on their overall benefit to society.
Correct answer is: Utilitarianism
Q.14 John Stuart Mill argued that justice is linked to:
Maximizing happiness and liberty
Strict legal formalism
Economic equality
A hierarchical society
Explanation - Mill combined utilitarian principles with individual freedom, emphasizing both welfare and liberty as aspects of justice.
Correct answer is: Maximizing happiness and liberty
Q.15 Which term describes unequal treatment intended to achieve fairness?
Equity
Equality
Liberty
Autonomy
Explanation - Equity means giving people what they need to reach an equal outcome, which may involve unequal treatment to correct disadvantages.
Correct answer is: Equity
Q.16 Which thinker emphasized that laws should reflect universal moral principles?
Immanuel Kant
Aristotle
Karl Marx
Thomas Hobbes
Explanation - Kant argued that justice requires adherence to universal moral duties, not just social conventions or outcomes.
Correct answer is: Immanuel Kant
Q.17 Which approach to justice is often criticized for ignoring individual rights in favor of majority welfare?
Utilitarianism
Libertarianism
Egalitarianism
Rawlsian justice
Explanation - Utilitarianism can sacrifice minority rights if it increases overall happiness, leading to potential injustices.
Correct answer is: Utilitarianism
Q.18 The term 'positive liberty' refers to:
The ability to act on one’s free will
Freedom from interference
Economic prosperity
Legal equality only
Explanation - Positive liberty is the capacity and opportunity to fulfill one’s potential and make meaningful choices.
Correct answer is: The ability to act on one’s free will
Q.19 Which dimension of justice focuses on rights, responsibilities, and fairness in interactions between individuals?
Commutative justice
Distributive justice
Procedural justice
Social justice
Explanation - Commutative justice concerns fairness in exchanges, contracts, and interactions between people.
Correct answer is: Commutative justice
Q.20 Which concept is central to Amartya Sen’s approach to justice?
Capabilities approach
Difference principle
Retributive justice
Libertarianism
Explanation - Amartya Sen focuses on what individuals are actually able to do and be, emphasizing real freedoms over formal equality.
Correct answer is: Capabilities approach
Q.21 Which form of justice seeks to ensure everyone has access to basic needs and social welfare?
Social justice
Procedural justice
Retributive justice
Commutative justice
Explanation - Social justice addresses systemic inequalities and aims to provide access to essential services and opportunities.
Correct answer is: Social justice
Q.22 Which philosopher argued that justice requires treating equals equally and unequals unequally?
Aristotle
John Rawls
Karl Marx
Immanuel Kant
Explanation - Aristotle’s principle of justice is based on proportional equality, recognizing differences in merit or circumstance.
Correct answer is: Aristotle
Q.23 Which idea suggests that everyone should have an equal opportunity to succeed, but not necessarily equal outcomes?
Equality of opportunity
Equality of outcome
Distributive justice
Retributive justice
Explanation - Equality of opportunity ensures fair access to resources and chances, but accepts that individuals may achieve different results based on effort and talent.
Correct answer is: Equality of opportunity
Q.24 Which approach emphasizes collective responsibility for creating just institutions?
Rawlsian justice
Libertarianism
Egalitarianism
Utilitarianism
Explanation - Rawlsian justice involves designing institutions that are fair and benefit all, particularly the least advantaged.
Correct answer is: Rawlsian justice