ABSTRACT
Justice is an incredibly complex concept. Before I discuss ways in which justice may play a part in building a better world, it seems sensible to first understand what we mean by “justice.” I will sketch only a brief outline of the history of this concept in the course of the chapter. As a correlate, it would also be wise to discuss what we mean by “building a better world” – but this will breach the scope of this chapter. Some of the questions, however, that need to be asked include: What does “better” mean? Should “better” be understood as a property which we can attribute to the world (and what exactly do we mean by that?) in which the bounties of nature are sustained for all generations? In which the bounties of nature, but also the fruit of human production (from goods to capital) are distributed in such a way that everyone has what she requires and none must live below or beyond her means? Or in which individual differences are not levelled for the sake of the “common good” but in which all people have equal starting conditions and chances for attaining what they want or need? In which every person may practice and follow her individual beliefs and tastes? In which the peoples and nations of the world live in peace with their neighbors?
