ABSTRACT
The meaning of the concept of equality is not a problem. To apply the term there must be at least two different entities that in some respect are the same. If a+b equals c+d, then a and b must add up to the same number as c and d. Jones and Smith may be equal in some respect. They may be the same height or weight or whatever. In a liberal society, the members are standardly claimed to relate to each other as equals. What is this relationship of equality? Insofar as to be a member of a liberal society is to enjoy the rights described in Part I, then the members’ equality consists in the first instance in an equality of rights in those spheres of life governed by liberal practices. Since in these spheres each person is entitled to decide for herself what to believe and how to live (within the standard constraints), the members may be said to enjoy an equal status in the society. Since each is, in principle, in charge of her own life, no one should be subject to the will of another. These rights determine the basic structure of society as this is constructed through the society’s laws and institutions. Through their operation the equality of the members is given reality.
