ABSTRACT
The normative idea of justice has been debated within the long tradition of political philosophy. Since the ideas of justice and injustice have been contested from varied ideological positions and there is hardly any conclusive, comprehensive and consensual theory of justice; it is only fair to say that there can never be an adequate theory of justice. Thus, justice as a value is not merely relative and related to other normative concepts. Instead, it is profoundly elusive. However, if it is elusive, then why has it been so often used in various political and philosophical discourses over time? This chapter will argue that justice as a normative political idea(l) is elusive but it is absolutely necessary for any political discourse to justify its actions and goals.
