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Theories of Distributive Justice
Theorien der Verteilungsgerechtigkeit
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:28:36
Abstract
Overview of theories of distributive justice from antiquity to today.
Objective
Students shall learn to identify and justify criteria for distributive justice, and to interpret theories of justice from antiquity to today (Platon, Aristoteles, von Aquin, Rousseau, Rawls, Sen, Dworkin, Walzer). This will make it possible to understand the interconnections between criteria for distributive justice and their justifications in theories of justice.
Content
In order to assess whether the distribution of a good is just, the first question is how much is available to whom: Should everyone get the same amount, or should one distribute according to some notion of need, merit or contribution? These questions are not solely the domain of philosophers; they matter to all of us as we make decisions in our lives together. Theories of distributive justice are systematic reflections about such questions. They show that certain more far reaching questions cannot be ignored in answering questions about distributive justice. For example, what are the goods that are to be distributed in the first place; how are they to be measured; who is to distribute them? An overview of a selected sample of theories of justice ranging back to antiquity is presented and discussed in this course to provide insights into a range of deliberations about distributive justice.
Resources
Literature
Will be announced in the first session.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Theorien der Verteilungsgerechtigkeit |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (In order to be awarded credits, please register under "Pflichtwahlfach GESS"!. The language courses are offered by the ETH and University of Zurich Language Center ( ))
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