What does the ethical concept of distributive justice involve?

The ethical concept of distributive justice involves the fair distribution of burdens and benefits within society, taking into account criteria that are considered fair and impartial. This means that resources, opportunities, and obligations should be allocated in a manner that is equitable and just, rather than biased by individual circumstances, majority opinion, or arbitrary standards.

Option C accurately captures this definition, emphasizing that an independent standard, which is typically based on fairness, equity, or need, is used to guide the distribution process. This ensures that the allocation of resources is not solely a function of individual merit or majority preference but is instead rooted in ethical principles aimed at achieving a more just society.

In contrast, other options suggest less equitable approaches. For instance, the first option implies that distribution is based only on individual effort, which can lead to inequality as it does not consider those who may face barriers to effort due to external circumstances. The second option addresses equal treatment in specific scenarios of wrongdoing but does not relate directly to the overall distribution of resources. Lastly, distribution based on majority opinion can disregard the needs of minorities or vulnerable populations, failing to uphold the ethical standards that guide distributive justice.