Fairness is Not Justice

Fairness and justice are often confused in the postmodern world. The terms 'fairness' and 'justice' are used interchangeably because they are thought to mean the same thing. Fairness means to treat people the same way in a particular set of circumstances. Justice, however, requires that fairness be offered the right way and that the right thing should be done in  a particular set of circumstances. In other words, fairness is relative, while justice is absolute. This is what many people don't realise. People often take fairness for granted in Australia because everyone is said to be given a "fair go". However, while fairness is one thing, justice is another.

For example, it is fair that two people who steal money from a house share out the money equally. However, such an act is not a just act because it is a wrong act that should not have been done in the first place. This example illustrates that fairness is dependent on the set of circumstances that it is applied to. Justice does not. Since fairness is relative, it would follow that all people may be equal, but some are more equal than others because some deserve to be treated more fairly. Justice, however, commands (not demands) that all people are treated equally regardless of their circumstances.