In its pursuit of justice for a segment of society, in…
“In its pursuit of justice for a segment of society, in disregard of the consequences for society as a whole, what is called 'social justice' might more accurately be called anti-social justice, since what consistently gets ignored or dismissed are precisely the costs to society. Such a conception of justice seeks to correct, not only biased or discriminatory acts by individuals or by social institutions, but unmerited disadvantages in general, from whatever source they may arise.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The concept of “social justice” often focuses on specific groups while ignoring broader societal costs, leading to unintended negative impacts.
In simple terms: Targeted justice can overlook overall societal harm.
Key Takeaway
Consider the wider effects of policies.
Themes
justice
policy
society
consequences
equity
Mood
critical
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislation
- public welfare programs
- community planning
- resource allocation
Key Concepts
cost‑benefit analysis
collective welfare
unintended outcomes
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance group rights with societal health?
- What metrics should guide justice initiatives?
A Different Perspective
Policies may create new inequities while trying to fix others.