Is Social Justice Just? The Origins of Social Justice [POLICYbrief]

The term “social justice” has varying modern connotations, both good and bad. But where did the concept come from, and what did it originally mean? Mary FioRito explains how social justice originated in Catholic social teaching as a way to describe the optimal balance of individual liberty and the common good for society.

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As always, the Federalist Society takes no position on particular legal or public policy issues; all expressions of opinion are those of the speaker.

Learn more about Mary FioRito:

Related Links

Social Justice: Not What You Think It Is

The Origins of Social Justice: Taparelli d’Azeglio

Is Social Justice Just? The Justice of Economic Opportunity

Differing Views

Is Social Justice Just? The Moral Obligations of Social Justice

Is Social Justice Just? Why Income Inequality is Just

What is Social Justice?

A History of Social Justice

[silbannacusofoxyrhynchus]

Whenever “social justice “ is used to treat parties unequally before the law, it is not just.

[mcmutty]

Social justice can be good of course. The problem with SJW's is the "warrior" mindset. Social justice can be debated on the merits, causes for discrepancy, and how or if to solve the issue. Once you interject the "warrior" into it is when everything falls apart. The warrior isn't interested in others views, only crushing them. The warrior is not interested in compromise, only inciting the mob. The warrior wants not only to win the argument, but to destroy you, your livelihood by getting you fired, your feeling of security by doxing you, your social life by harassing anyone who would interact with you in a friendly manner. There is no common ground to be found, no reason to be appealed to, only raw feelings that will lead to escalating violence and suffering for all.

[Phurzt]

Oh No no no no. You dont get to claim Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr King was for Justice, not social Justice. Infact, social justice goes against Dr. Kings core ideas of judging based on content of character rather than color of skin, this is something social justice not only doesnt do, but actively fights against. Dr. King would rail against social justice if he could, because he is for justice without any stupid add-ons or asterisks.

[GenghisKahn]

2:47 is basically saying "All Lives Matter"... That's not what SJWs, Antifa, BLM, and Leftists agree with. I don't like the video because it starts with SJW rather than only speaking on social justice as a topic. If you seek to educate someone on the matter but can't delineate between the two that is problematic.

[TeamGreenBurrito]

Social justice is like a trans woman, if it were the real thing, you wouldn't need to put that adjective in front of the noun.

[jacobblanton]

It isn't justice if it requires an adjective to distinguish itself. And only injustice masquerading as something good would need to do that.

[amodking]

Sjw is such a pointless group of people now. It’s honestly so frustrating how much this junk is being pushed.

[josephalbatross]

SJWs do not merely disagree with the Church's social justice concept. They oppose it. The two different views of social justice are chasms apart and mutually exclusive. Side with SJWs at your liberty's peril.

[thecultofjohnnydelr.soulsw]

Social justice is not justice!

You do not need social justice to find the truth.

[jamespeterson]

Linguistics tho. Meanings change over time. Apparently liberal doesn't mean what it used to either.

[CameronRounder]

Why is this none sense being sent to me in my ads?

[kriswarden]

With ya yung Brother .lets bring it on

[drbonesshow]

Social Justice also known as Blame It On Whitey.

[robertperry]

A Jesuit and the Catholic church, who would have thought.

[Hagbard]

Does propaganda still work with a ratio and comments like this? As long as the comments and ratio are as they are here- Share this vid with your SJW sympathizing friends.

[TheWayofFairness]

I simplify it to everyone should be treated fairly. We can all assert "Do not be unfair to me". Now we need legislation

[storiesworthtellingwiththe]

This is a Story Worth Telling! Please let us know if you'd like to be in our show!

[Ivan.Wright]

The problem with language is, no matter how you interpret something, there is always another interpretation. It's not as surface level as the name. Many bad things have been done in the name of good. You have to look at each individual situation, not just an overarching phrase.

[PeterM]

This attempt at explaining social justice failed to mention 'equity'. Social justice is dominated by the goal of ensuring equitable outcomes using state power.

[mcfarvo]

As usual, the definitions of terms and how they are wielded is critically important, and shows clearly the differences between true social justice and the modern American Social Justice Warrior