Definition Of Equality By Political Thinkers
In contrast equality of outcome as in socialism treats unlike individuals alike which is anathema to any genuine liberal.
Definition of equality by political thinkers. The liberal perspective is based upon the premise that a dichotomy exists between equality and liberty. Equality of opportunity is a highly generic term within political ideology that refers to policies and schemes designed to improve life chances to everyone regardless of their social background. The insistence on equality before the law was an expression of the notion of christian liberty. Along with its theory of private property.
The term equality used in political science differs from. Equality originates from aequalis aequus and aequalitas. These are all old french or latin words. The stanford encyclopedia of philosophy discusses philosopher john rawls definition of political equality as being embodied by a society in which each citizen is an equal participant in choosing that society s governing.
By political equality we mean equal access of everyone to the avenues of political authority. Thus the meaning of the word equality used in political science corresponds to the meaning from which it originates. Political equality guarantees the enjoyment of similar political rights to all citizens. Inequality has replaced equality as the term of art in discussing america this focus on inequality is part of the assault on the american idea that we see every day in the media and in academia.
The most direct means for providing political equality is through the universal right to vote no matter the voter s. Locke s second treatise also made important contributions to the concepts of equality rule of law separation of powers majoritarianism and the right to revolution. There is a strong link between freedom and equality. In rejecting a hierarchical conception of the world protestants could acquiesce in an arrangement in which the political realm was not subordinate to the religious realm.
There are different types of equality such as political social legal natural and economic equality. It is remarkable that while the founders writings were focused on equality public discourse today focuses on social and economic inequality. Inevitably society must make a choice between equality of outcome or the preservation of individual liberty. These french latin words mean even level and equal.
Equality before the law and differentiation based on achievement. All citizens must possess similar political rights they should have similar voice in the working of the government and they should have equal opportunities to actively participate in the political life and affairs of the country. In the political thought equality is described that all human beings are equal and equality in distribution namely equal distribution of wealth social opportunities and political power. Universal adult franchise is a means to this end.