The Rationale for Relational Justice (and Understanding the Principle of Fraternity)

Abstract

The focus of relational justice (or fairness in the relationship) takes into account three dimensions: institutionality (rules, institutions) reciprocity (interactive behavior) and sociality (the relationship, the network of relations) to analyze when and why there is a vacuum of justice. Justice and fraternity are notions that help each other to explain themselves. The principle of fraternity allows an adequate understanding of justice and contributes decisively to bring positive content to relational justice because it exceeds the formality of equality and freedom. It also helps make sense of the rules, rights, duties, the sense of good faith, intrinsic motivation, virtue as a category regarding not only the individual but also the collectivity. Last, it allows understanding cultural and human dignity as a combination of individuality and otherness, which generally represents the common good.