What concept does "distributive justice" address?

Distributive justice primarily concerns itself with the ethical principles that guide how resources, benefits, and burdens are allocated among individuals in a society. This concept emphasizes fairness and equity—how wealth, opportunities, and social goods are distributed—to ensure that people receive their fair share based on need, contribution, or other relevant criteria.

Distributive justice is a foundational aspect of various moral and political theories, which argue about what constitutes a fair distribution and what principles should govern this aspect of social justice. The focus is on creating a just society where individuals are treated equitably, taking into account their varying circumstances and needs.

In this context, the other options address different ethical issues that do not specifically relate to the fairness of resource distribution. For example, the moral implications of punishment deal with the justice of penal systems rather than resource allocation. The ethics of interpersonal relationships focuses on moral considerations in personal interactions, and the principles of utilitarianism emphasize maximizing overall happiness without directly addressing fair distribution among individuals. Thus, the emphasis on fairness in resource allocation distinguishes distributive justice from these other ethical considerations.