Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Degree Practice Exam

Which statement about justice reasoning is false?

1. The reasoner is only concerned with fairness

2. The reasoner is interested in the net value of benefits

3. The reasoner aims to ensure equal treatment

4. The reasoner may consider societal impacts

The correct answer is: The reasoner is interested in the net value of benefits

In the context of justice reasoning, the emphasis is typically on principles such as fairness, equal treatment, and the consideration of societal impacts. The core of justice reasoning revolves around ensuring that individuals are treated equitably and that their rights are upheld within a framework that values fairness and justice. The notion that the reasoner is interested in the net value of benefits suggests a more utilitarian approach. In utilitarian reasoning, the focus is on maximizing overall happiness or benefits, potentially at the expense of individual rights or fairness. This perspective contrasts sharply with justice reasoning, which prioritizes equitable treatment and fairness regardless of the overall benefits that may emerge from a decision. Therefore, asserting that the reasoner is focused on net benefits deviates from the foundational principles that underpin justice reasoning, making this statement false. The other statements accurately reflect the principles associated with justice reasoning. The focus on fairness, the aim for equal treatment, and considerations of societal impacts all align well with the essence of justice reasoning, highlighting how this approach seeks to ensure that justice is upheld in social interactions and decision-making processes.