RBSE Solutions Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1 Justice

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1 Text book Questions

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1 Multiple Choice Questions

 

Question 1. Which thinker was the first one to define justice in western political thought?
(a) Saint Augustine
(b) Aristotle
(c) Plato
(d) Aquinas
Answer: (c) Plato
In simple words: Plato was the first person in Western political thinking to explain what justice means. He gave a clear definition of it.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked about foundational thinkers, remember key figures like Plato and their primary contributions to concepts like justice.

 

Question 2. The expounder of the theory of distributive justice is
(a) Plato
(b) Manu and Kautilya
(c) Aristotle
(d) Acharya Narendra Deo
Answer: (c) Aristotle
In simple words: Aristotle is the one who explained the idea of distributive justice, which is about how things should be shared fairly among people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distributive justice focuses on fair allocation of resources and honors; always link it back to Aristotle's framework.

 

Question 3. 'States which have no religion enforced are the havens of thieves and their activities', who said this?
(a) Saint Augustine
(b) Kautilya
(c) Aristotle
(d) Aquinas
Answer: (a) Saint Augustine
In simple words: Saint Augustine believed that if a state does not have a strong religion guiding its rules, it will become a place where criminals can thrive.

🎯 Exam Tip: For quotes, try to remember the core idea and the key figure associated with it, especially in the context of religious influence on governance.

 

Question 4. Which of the following thinkers considers impartiality of justice as a basic tendency of state-system?
(a) Vrihaspati
(b) Manu and Kautilya
(c) Plato
(d) Acharya Narendra Deo
Answer: (b) Manu and Kautilya
In simple words: Manu and Kautilya, ancient Indian thinkers, believed that a state system naturally needs justice to be fair to everyone.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering about Indian political thought, linking impartiality to figures like Manu and Kautilya is important.

 

Question 5. Which form of justice is reflected by the punishment given for the violation of law?
(a) Moral justice
(b) Political justice
(c) Economic justice
(d) Legal justice
Answer: (d) Legal justice
In simple words: When someone breaks a law and gets punished, that shows how legal justice works. It's about enforcing rules set by the government.

🎯 Exam Tip: Legal justice is directly concerned with laws, their enforcement, and the consequences of breaking them. Distinguish it from moral, political, or economic justice.

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1 Very Short Answer Type Questions

 

Question 3. How many categories of society has Plato mentioned in his theory of justice?
Answer: According to Plato, society has three main groups in his theory of justice. These groups are: 1. Rulers, 2. Soldiers, and 3. Producers. Each group has specific roles to ensure a just society.
In simple words: Plato divided society into three parts: rulers, soldiers, and producers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember Plato's tripartite division of society (Rulers, Soldiers, Producers) and how each class contributes to the overall justice of the state.

 

Question 4. Who is the author of the book 'Republic'?
Answer: Plato is the author of the famous book 'Republic'. In this book, he wrote about justice and an ideal state.
In simple words: Plato wrote the book 'Republic'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'The Republic' is Plato's most famous work on justice and ideal governance; it's a fundamental text in political philosophy.

 

Question 5. How many types of justice has Aristotle mentioned?
Answer: Aristotle talked about two main types of justice. These are: 1. Distributive justice, which is about fair sharing of resources, and 2. Corrective or rectificatory justice, which focuses on setting things right when wrong has been done.
In simple words: Aristotle spoke of two kinds of justice: distributive (fair sharing) and corrective (setting wrongs right).

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between Aristotle's two forms of justice: distributive (fair division of goods/honors) and corrective (rectifying imbalances, e.g., through punishment or compensation).

 

Question 6. On which fact does Aristotle's distributive theory of justice emphasize?
Answer: Aristotle's distributive theory of justice highlights that power and resources should be given out based on a person's ability and what they contribute. This means people who are more capable or contribute more should get more.
In simple words: Aristotle's idea of distributive justice means that power should be given based on a person's skill and how much they help.

🎯 Exam Tip: For Aristotle, distributive justice is not about equal shares but proportional shares based on merit and contribution. Highlight this key difference.

 

Question 8. Who were the two expounders of justice in Medieval period?
Answer: In the Medieval period, two important thinkers who explained ideas about justice were Saint Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. They both linked justice with religious and moral teachings.
In simple words: Saint Augustine and Thomas Aquinas were key thinkers on justice during the Middle Ages.

🎯 Exam Tip: In the medieval era, justice was often intertwined with theological concepts; Saint Augustine and Thomas Aquinas are central figures in this tradition.

 

Question 9. Which thinker has mentioned about economic inequality?
Answer: The socialist thinker Karl Marx is well-known for discussing economic inequalities. He believed that these inequalities cause many problems in society.
In simple words: Karl Marx talked a lot about economic inequality.

🎯 Exam Tip: Karl Marx's theories are foundational to understanding critiques of economic inequality and class struggle in political thought.

 

Question 10. Who was the expounder of the 'Veil of ignorance' theory?
Answer: John Rawls is the person who developed the 'Veil of ignorance' theory. This theory helps explain how people can decide on fair rules for society if they don't know their own position in it.
In simple words: John Rawls created the 'Veil of Ignorance' theory.

🎯 Exam Tip: The 'Veil of Ignorance' is a key concept in Rawls's theory of justice, used to determine fair principles for a society by imagining a state of unbiased decision-making.

 

Question 11. Which theory has John Rawls expounded to establish social justice?
Answer: To set up social justice, John Rawls put forward two main theories. These theories focus on ensuring fairness for everyone in society. They are:
1. Everyone should have maximum freedom to protect their own liberty.
2. People and the state should create social and economic conditions that benefit everyone, especially the least advantaged.
In simple words: John Rawls proposed two main ideas for social justice: ensuring maximum freedom and creating social/economic conditions that help everyone.

🎯 Exam Tip: John Rawls's two principles of justice (equal basic liberties and fair equality of opportunity, benefiting the least advantaged) are central to his concept of social justice.

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1 Short Answer Type Questions

 

Question 1. What do you understand by Plato's justice?
Answer: Plato saw justice as a quality of the soul. He believed that justice within a person's soul is like justice within a state. Just as a balanced soul keeps a person's different parts in harmony, justice in society brings balance among its different groups. Plato also said that a person performing their own duties without interfering with others is acting justly. He described two types of justice:
1. Personal justice
2. Social or state-related justice.
In simple words: Plato believed justice is a balance within a person's soul and in society, where everyone does their part without meddling in others' roles. He identified personal and social justice.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining Plato's justice, highlight the analogy between individual soul and state, emphasizing harmony, specialized functions, and non-interference as core elements.

 

Question 2. Comment on Aristotle's views about justice.
Answer: Aristotle thought that justice organizes how people interact. He believed that anything fair, legal, equal, and proper is part of justice. Aristotle identified two main kinds of justice:
(i) Distributive or Political justice, which is about sharing things like reputation, honor, and property fairly based on a person's ability and contribution.
(ii) Reformatory or Corrective justice, which aims to correct wrongs and restore balance when someone has been harmed. He emphasized that benefits and responsibilities should be given according to an individual's capability.
In simple words: Aristotle viewed justice as fairness in human dealings. He talked about two types: distributive justice (fair sharing based on merit) and corrective justice (making things right after a wrong).

🎯 Exam Tip: For Aristotle, justice is linked to human relationships and ensuring proportional fairness. Clearly differentiate his distributive justice (merit-based) from corrective justice (restoring balance).

 

Question 3. Compare between traditional and modern point of views of justice.
Answer: The comparison between traditional and modern views of justice can be seen in these ways:

Similarity:
1. Both Western and Indian thinkers agree that impartiality in justice is important for a political system.
2. Both ideas stress that individuals should do their duties.
3. Both concepts believe that justice means doing your assigned work and not interfering with others' tasks.
4. Like Western thinkers, ancient Indian thinkers (like Manu and Kautilya) also highlighted impartiality and truthfulness in justice.
5. Both traditions aim to protect people's lives and property, and to punish those who cause trouble or are anti-social.
Dissimilarity:
1. In Western thought, justice is seen through the qualities of a good person, while in Indian philosophy, religion (Dharma) itself is considered justice.
2. Plato's idea of justice was mainly political and social, but in Indian philosophy, justice was accepted as a legal concept.
In simple words: Traditional justice focuses on morality and individual character, with thinkers like Plato and Aristotle. Modern justice focuses on laws, utility, and social welfare, with thinkers like Marx and Rawls. Both aim for fairness and order, but their approaches differ.

🎯 Exam Tip: When comparing traditional and modern views, focus on key differences like the basis of justice (morality vs. law), central thinkers, and the role of individual vs. societal well-being.

 

Question 4. What is the relevance of universal values of justice at present?
Answer: Today, universal values of justice remain very important. Traditional Western and Indian ideas both viewed morality as the foundation of justice. A person with good character was seen as the standard for justice. In Indian philosophy, Dharma (religion/duty) was considered the basis. Plato saw justice as a quality of the soul, crucial for both individuals and a good society. It helps guide moral, social, and political decisions.
In modern times, these ideas still hold true. Humans are rational beings bound by rules and laws, falling under legal justice. However, values like spirituality, good character, and self-reflection are universal. Those who follow these qualities will naturally pursue justice.
4. Social Justice: This promotes a system where there is no discrimination based on social status, and everyone has a full chance to grow. John Rawls greatly emphasized social justice.
5. Economic Justice: This aims for economic equality by considering individual economic conditions when distributing resources and reducing the gap between rich and poor. It highlights limiting personal property and states that severe economic disparity leads to class struggle, as noted by Karl Marx.
In simple words: Universal justice values, like morality and fairness, are still very important today. They guide our social, political, and economic systems to ensure everyone has equal chances and that resources are shared fairly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize how traditional moral foundations of justice (e.g., character, Dharma) combine with modern concepts like social and economic justice to ensure comprehensive fairness in society.

 

Question 5. How does the concept of justice given by utilitarian differ from traditional point of views?
Answer: The utilitarian concept of justice is different from traditional views in the following ways:

In utilitarianism, justice focuses on maximizing overall happiness and welfare. Thinkers like David Hume and Jeremy Bentham believed that justice comes from public utility, meaning whatever benefits the greatest number of people. This differs from traditional views that often base justice on morality, individual character, or a fixed set of rules, regardless of the outcome for the majority. Utilitarians would distribute goods based on what creates the most overall happiness, rather than strictly on merit or inherent rights.
In simple words: Utilitarian justice is about what makes the most people happy, while traditional justice is about what is morally right or what a person deserves.

🎯 Exam Tip: The core difference is "greatest good for the greatest number" for utilitarians, contrasting with traditional emphasis on moral principles or individual rights, even if it doesn't maximize overall happiness.

 

Question 6. Summarize John Rawls views about justice.
Answer: John Rawls wrote a famous book called 'A Theory of Justice,' where he discussed social justice in a modern way. He questioned older ideas about justice. Rawls's views on justice are based on two main ideas:
1. Everyone should have an equal right to the most basic freedoms, and these freedoms should be equal for all.
2. Social and economic differences should be set up so that:

• The people who are most disadvantaged get the biggest benefits.


• Every person, in a situation of fair opportunity, should be able to get good jobs and recognition.

Rawls aimed to prioritize justice, saying that freedom should sometimes be limited to protect other freedoms. He believed this principle is best for society, and people would accept it if they were making decisions from behind a 'veil of ignorance' (where they don't know their own place in society). In such a state, people would act morally.
In simple words: John Rawls believed justice means everyone has equal basic freedoms, and any social or economic differences should mostly help the poorest and ensure fair opportunities for all.

🎯 Exam Tip: When summarizing Rawls, always include his two principles of justice, the concept of the 'veil of ignorance', and his focus on fairness for the least advantaged.

 

Question 7. Comment on the universal and firm elements of justice.
Answer: Both Western and Indian philosophies agree that good character is a key and unchanging part of justice. It's a quality that is always important and strong. A person with good character, their daily actions, and their ideals have always been seen as examples for others, and they will continue to be in the future.
In Indian tradition, 'Dharma' (religion or duty) has been considered ideal. Dharma means doing your duty. It is believed that a person who does their assigned work and does not interfere with others' work is acting justly.
According to Aristotle, "Whatever is proper and legal, equal and appropriate is in accordance with justice. It is an universal concept." This means that justice involves things that are right, legal, and fair for everyone.
In simple words: Justice always involves good character, doing one's duty without interfering with others, and following what is proper and fair, which are timeless ideas found in both Eastern and Western thought.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight character, duty, and fairness as universal and firm elements of justice, connecting them to both Eastern (Dharma) and Western (Plato, Aristotle) traditions.

 

Question 8. "Social and political justice is meaningless in the absence of economic justice”. Explain.
Answer: Social justice focuses on creating a society without discrimination based on social status, giving everyone a full chance to grow. Political justice requires equal rights and opportunities for all in a state system, rejecting bias and inequality.
It's true that social and political justice are incomplete if people don't also have full opportunities to develop themselves. If someone is held back economically, then social and political justice become useless ideas, just imaginations. Without economic fairness, people cannot truly benefit from equal social status or political rights.
In simple words: Social and political justice are not enough if people are still held back by poverty. Everyone needs economic opportunities for true fairness and personal growth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize that economic justice is the foundation upon which social and political justice can truly thrive. Without it, other forms of justice may remain theoretical or inaccessible.

 

Question 9. Basically justice is a moral principle which has been explained by various thinkers in their own manner. Explain.
Answer: Justice is deeply connected to morality. A person whose thoughts, behavior, and actions follow moral rules is seen as a just person. This is why, in the past, a justified and good character was highly valued. In Indian tradition, a religious person cannot act immorally.
Other thinkers, like David Hume and John Stuart Mill, also stressed that public goods and services should be distributed to benefit the greatest number of people. All these ideas about justice show that it is mainly a moral principle that prioritizes public welfare.
In simple words: Justice is a moral idea, explained differently by thinkers. It means acting according to moral rules, having good character, and ensuring public welfare.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing justice as a moral principle, link it to both individual character and the broader goal of public welfare, referencing various philosophical traditions.

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1 Long Answer Type Questions

 

Question 1. What do you understand by justice? Explain the traditional theory of justice.
Answer: Many thinkers have defined justice in different ways. The spirit of justice helps people stay disciplined, respecting others' rights while doing their own duties. The concept of justice has been a major topic in political thought since ancient times.
The traditional theory of justice sees justice as being based on good virtues, good character, good deeds, spirituality, and proper human behavior. Actions that match these qualities are considered just.
Plato believed justice is a "virtue of a soul." He explained that just as justice balances all parts of a person's character, it also creates harmony among society's three classes: rulers, soldiers, and producers.
Aristotle thought that whatever is fair, legal, equal, and properly distributed is justice. Saint Augustine saw justice as a necessary part of a systematic life, where one fulfills duties demanded by the system. He believed that human morality, virtues, and natural elements for justice come from God. Traditional views see justice as embedded in spending a systematic and disciplined life and following duties that a system requires.
In simple words: Justice is about balance, duty, and moral character, as explained by traditional thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Saint Augustine. It means doing what is right for oneself and society.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining traditional justice, focus on its grounding in morality, virtue, and the inherent qualities of the soul or a well-ordered society, often linking to specific classical philosophers.

 

Question 2. Summarize the thoughts of Plato and Aristotle on Justice.
Answer: The ideas of Plato and Aristotle on justice can be understood through these points:
**Plato's thoughts on Justice:**
Plato was the first to clearly present ideas on justice. His main focus was on the concept of justice itself. His major work, 'Republic,' explores the nature of justice and related topics. Plato viewed justice as an inborn quality of a person. For him, justice is a virtue that inspires people to seek the welfare of all. It's also a principle where everyone performs their assigned duties without interfering with others' tasks. Plato identified two types of justice:
1. Personal justice
2. Social or state-related justice.
Plato also explained three elements of the human soul: Intellect, Bravery, and Greed. He classified society into three groups based on how much of these elements each person has:

• **Ruler or Guardian Class:** This is the most influential group, representing the whole state. They have the most intellect.


• **Soldier Class or Defender Class:** This is the middle group, whose job is to protect the state. They have the most bravery.


• **Producer or Auxiliary Class:** This is the lowest group, where desire and greed are common.

Plato argued that if all three classes perform their duties faithfully without interfering with each other, the state will be just. Interference would be harmful to both individuals and the state.
**Aristotle's thoughts on Justice:**
Like Plato, Aristotle also saw justice as a necessary quality for a state. He believed justice regulates human interactions. He thought a state exists because people have a sense of justice. For Aristotle, justice includes whatever is equal, right, legal, and proper. He also believed that what is wrong can be corrected. Aristotle defined two forms of justice:
1. Distributive or Political justice
2. Corrective justice.
The theory of distributive justice states that political positions should be given based on a citizen's capability and service to the state, and benefits and responsibilities should be proportional to their capacity. In corrective justice, the state is responsible for protecting every individual's life, property, honor, and liberty. Aristotle saw this as essential for upholding the rights gained through distributive justice.
In simple words: Plato saw justice as an internal soul quality reflected in a society where each class (rulers, soldiers, producers) does its duty. Aristotle focused on justice in human relationships, dividing it into distributive justice (fair sharing based on merit) and corrective justice (making wrongs right).

🎯 Exam Tip: When comparing Plato and Aristotle on justice, highlight Plato's focus on the inner harmony of the soul and the state's classes, versus Aristotle's emphasis on external fairness in human transactions (distributive and corrective justice).

 

Question 3. In your option, what is similarity and dissimilarity between Indian and Western concepts of justice? Deliberate.
Answer: Here's an analysis of the similarities and differences between Indian and Western concepts of justice:
**Similarity:**
1. Both Western and Indian thinkers agree that justice must be impartial, which is a crucial part of any political system.
2. In both traditions, there is a strong emphasis on individuals fulfilling their duties.
3. Both concepts suggest that justice means a person performs their assigned work and does not interfere in the work of others.
4. Similar to Western thinkers, ancient Indian thinkers like Manu and Kautilya also stressed impartiality and truthfulness in justice.
5. Both concepts aim to protect people's lives and property, and to punish those who cause disorder or act against society.
**Dissimilarity:**
1. In Western tradition, justice is often analyzed based on the qualities of a good character. In contrast, Indian philosophy recognizes religion (Dharma) itself as a form of justice.
2. Plato's idea of justice was primarily political and social. However, in Indian philosophy, justice was accepted more in a legal form, related to divine laws and duties.
The table below further illustrates these differences:

In simple words: Both Indian and Western ideas of justice value impartiality and duty. However, Western thought often links justice to character, while Indian thought (Dharma) connects it to religious or divine law. Modern views focus on laws and general welfare.

🎯 Exam Tip: When comparing, use a structured approach, listing specific similarities and dissimilarities, and referencing key concepts (e.g., Dharma, character, rule of law) and thinkers from both traditions.

 

Question 4. Explain different forms of justice.
Answer: Traditionally, justice was seen in two ways: moral and legal. But now, justice is viewed more broadly, with social and economic justice getting more attention than just legal justice. Here are the different forms of justice:
1. **Moral Justice:** This type of justice is based on morality and natural laws or rights. When a person's behavior aligns with virtue and what is considered social and moral, it's called moral justice. If their attitude or behavior goes against morality, it's considered unjust. Many thinkers throughout history have valued qualities like truthfulness, non-violence, compassion, liberty, and commitment as universal moral principles.
2. **Legal Justice:** This includes all rules and laws that people are expected to follow. Two important aspects of legal justice are:

• Laws should be fair and reasonable.


• Laws should be applied fairly and justly.

Anyone who breaks these laws should be punished without discrimination.
3. **Political Justice:** This means people can participate in state affairs. It includes rights like voting, equal rights to hold government positions, and the right to run in elections. Equality is very important here, as it rejects discrimination and inequality, focusing on the welfare of all.
4. **Social Justice:** This aims for a social system where individuals are not discriminated against based on their social status, and everyone has full opportunities to develop their personality. Political thinker John Rawls gave special importance to social justice.
5. **Economic Justice:** The goal of economic justice is to achieve economic equality in society. This principle suggests that when distributing economic resources, the state should consider each person's economic situation. It seeks to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor, and emphasizes limiting personal property. As Karl Marx stated, the greater the economic disparity in society, the worse the class struggle becomes.
In simple words: Justice comes in many forms: moral (based on good character), legal (based on laws), political (equal participation in government), social (no discrimination, equal opportunities), and economic (fair distribution of wealth to reduce inequality).

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining different forms of justice, provide a clear definition for each, explain its core principle (e.g., morality for moral justice, equality for political justice), and mention relevant thinkers or examples where possible.

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1 Other Important Questions

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1 Multiple Choice Questions

 

Question 1. Who wrote 'Republic'?
(a) Aristotle
(b) Plato
(c) St. Augustine
(d) Hobbes
Answer: (b) Plato
In simple words: The book 'Republic', which talks about justice and ideal government, was written by Plato.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the authors of seminal works in political philosophy, like Plato's 'Republic', is crucial for MCQs.

 

Question 2. 'Justice is regulation of human relations'. Who said this?
(a) Plato
(b) Aristotle
(c) Hobbes
(d) J.S. Mill
Answer: (b) Aristotle
In simple words: Aristotle believed that justice helps organize and control how people interact with each other in society.

🎯 Exam Tip: Link Aristotle's philosophy to the idea of justice as a regulating force in human relationships, emphasizing fairness and order.

 

Question 4. Who is regarded the father of utilitarianism?
(a) Thomas Aquinas
(b) Hobbes
(c) J.S. Mill
(d) Jeremi Bentham
Answer: (d) Jeremi Bentham
In simple words: Jeremy Bentham is known as the founder of utilitarianism, an idea that focuses on actions that bring the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Jeremy Bentham is the originator of utilitarianism, an ethical framework centered on maximizing overall happiness or utility. Be clear on his role versus later utilitarians like J.S. Mill.

 

Question 5. The author of 'A Theory of Justice' is:
(a) David Humes
(b) John Rawls
(c) Aristotle
(d) Karl Marx
Answer: (b) John Rawls
In simple words: John Rawls wrote the influential book 'A Theory of Justice', which explains his ideas on fairness and social organization.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'A Theory of Justice' by John Rawls is a pivotal text in modern political philosophy, particularly concerning social contract theory and distributive justice.

 

Question 6. 'Blinds of Ignorance' theory is propagated by:
(a) John Rawls
(b) Kautilya
(c) Jeremi Bentham
(d) Kant
Answer: (a) John Rawls
In simple words: John Rawls developed the 'Veil of Ignorance' theory, a thought experiment to help design fair societal rules.

🎯 Exam Tip: The 'Veil of Ignorance' is central to John Rawls's concept of justice, ensuring that principles for society are chosen without personal bias.

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1 Very Short Answer Type Questions

 

Question 2. Which political thinker regards justice as cognate quality in his philosophy?
Answer: Plato, a prominent political thinker, considered justice as an inherent or "cognate" quality in his philosophy. He believed it was a natural part of a person's soul.
In simple words: Plato saw justice as an inborn quality of people.

🎯 Exam Tip: For Plato, justice isn't merely an external law but an intrinsic virtue of the soul, reflecting an ordered and harmonious individual.

 

Question 3. Name any four Western political thinkers who have given important place to justice in their philosophy.
Answer: Four Western political thinkers who highly valued justice in their philosophies are:
1. Plato
2. Aristotle
3. Augustine
4. Hobbes
These thinkers explored justice as a core element of a well-ordered society and individual virtue.
In simple words: Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Hobbes are four Western thinkers who emphasized justice in their ideas.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be able to list key historical figures who contributed significantly to the concept of justice in Western political thought.

 

Question 4. Define two forms of justice of Plato.
Answer: Plato defined two main forms of justice:
1. **Personal Justice:** This refers to justice within an individual's soul, where reason, spirit, and appetite are in harmony.
2. **Social or State-related Justice:** This is about justice in society, where the three classes (rulers, soldiers, producers) each perform their roles correctly without interference.
In simple words: Plato's two types of justice are personal justice (balance within oneself) and social justice (each part of society doing its job).

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly define Plato's personal and social justice, emphasizing the harmony and non-interference aspects in both the individual and the state.

 

Question 5. Define the three elements embedded in human soul in accordance with the justice theory of Plato.
Answer: According to Plato's theory of justice, the human soul has three main elements:
1. **Intellect (Reason):** This part seeks wisdom and guides the soul.
2. **Bravery (Spirit):** This part shows courage and helps reason enforce its decisions.
3. **Greed (Appetite):** This part desires physical pleasures and material things.
For Plato, justice in a person means these three parts are balanced and work together harmoniously, with intellect guiding the others.
In simple words: Plato said the human soul has three parts: intellect, bravery, and greed. Justice happens when they work well together, led by intellect.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember Plato's tripartite soul (Reason, Spirit, Appetite) and how their proper balance, guided by reason, leads to individual justice, mirroring the just state.

 

Question 6. According to Aristotle, justice is related to what?
Answer: According to Aristotle, justice is mainly related to the regulation of human relations. He believed that justice sets the rules for how people interact fairly and properly in society.
In simple words: Aristotle believed justice helps manage how people behave and deal with each other.

🎯 Exam Tip: Aristotle's view of justice is deeply social, focusing on its role in ordering and maintaining fairness within human communities and interactions.

 

Question 8. What does corrective justice mean as per Aristotle?
Answer: Aristotle's corrective justice aims to control and stop the misuse of citizens' rights by other individuals.
In simple words: It means stopping people from harming or taking away the rights of others.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining complex terms, break them down into their core components and the main purpose they serve.

 

Question 9. What is the responsibility of a state of corrective justice of Aristotle?
Answer: According to Aristotle's idea of corrective justice, the state has a duty to safeguard everyone's life, possessions, freedom, and dignity.
In simple words: The state must protect people's lives, things, freedom, and good name.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the four key areas of protection (life, property, liberty, honor) when discussing the state's role in corrective justice.

 

Question 10. Name two Christian thinkers of medieval period, who have presented concepts of justice.
Answer: Two Christian thinkers from the medieval period who discussed ideas of justice are Saint Augustine and Thomas Aquinas.
In simple words: Saint Augustine and Thomas Aquinas were two Christian thinkers in the Middle Ages who talked about justice.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing key figures from different historical periods associated with concepts like justice is important for context.

 

Question 11. Who propagated the theory of divine state?
Answer: Saint Augustine spread the idea of a divine state.
In simple words: Saint Augustine was the one who promoted the concept of a state that is ruled by God.

🎯 Exam Tip: Associate key theories or concepts with their original proponents for accurate answers.

RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1 Short Answer Type Questions

 

Question 1. Describe any five characteristics of justice as per Plato.
Answer: Plato defined justice with several key characteristics:
1. It is a fundamental quality of the soul.
2. It exists inherently in both individuals and the state, reflecting a balanced inner self and a well-ordered society.
3. It involves each person performing their designated duties without interfering in the tasks of others.
4. It establishes harmony and coordination among the different classes in society, such as rulers, soldiers, and producers.
5. It serves as a moral principle that guides individuals to act for the greater welfare of all, rather than just personal gain.
In simple words: For Plato, justice means having a good soul, everyone doing their job without bothering others, and keeping society balanced, all for the good of everyone.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for characteristics, provide distinct, numbered points that summarize the core aspects of the philosopher's concept.

 

Question 2. Clarify the thoughts of Aristotle in relation to distributive justice.
Answer: Aristotle's idea of distributive justice focuses on how honors, wealth, and property are shared. He believed these should not be divided equally among everyone, but rather according to a person's abilities and contributions. Aristotle's ideas on this include:
1. Power and protection should be given based on an individual's skills and efforts.
2. He supported equality where people receive according to their merit, not absolute equal shares.
3. The state's power should be held by those who are most qualified and capable of ruling.
4. Advantages and duties should match a person's individual capacity and ability.
In simple words: Aristotle believed that things like honors and wealth should be given based on what a person deserves and how much they contribute, not just divided equally. People with more skill should get more responsibility and rewards.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize "proportional equality" or "justice based on merit" when discussing Aristotle's distributive justice, contrasting it with simple equal shares.

 

Question 3. What are the duties described by Aristotle for a state in relation to corrective justice?
Answer: Aristotle explained that corrective justice aims to prevent others from violating citizens' rights. For this, he outlined two main duties for the state:
1. The state must safeguard the life, honor, property, and freedom of every individual.
2. The state should also protect the rights that a person gains through distributive justice.
In simple words: Aristotle said the state has two jobs in corrective justice: to protect everyone's life, reputation, belongings, and freedom, and to make sure people keep the rights they earned fairly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate corrective justice from distributive justice by focusing on its role in rectifying wrongs and protecting established rights, rather than initially allocating them.

 

Question 4. How have utilitarians described justice?
Answer: Utilitarian thinkers like David Hume, Jeremy Bentham, and John Stuart Mill described justice based on usefulness or utility. Their main ideas include:
1. David Hume stated that public benefit should be the only foundation of justice.
2. Jeremy Bentham believed that public services and goods should be distributed based on what brings the greatest happiness to the largest number of people.
In simple words: Utilitarians like Hume and Bentham thought justice means doing what benefits the most people. For them, justice is about making sure most people are happy and useful.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect utilitarian justice directly to the "greatest good for the greatest number" principle and name key proponents like Bentham and Mill.

 

Question 6. Describe the sources for acquiring political justice.
Answer: Political justice is rooted in the ideas of equality and fairness. In a state, everyone should have the same rights and chances, without any discrimination. The goal is for everyone to benefit from societal welfare. In a democracy, political justice can be achieved through:
1. Universal adult suffrage (the right for all adults to vote).
2. Freedom of thought, speech, and expression.
3. The right and chance to hold public office without unfair bias.
4. Preventing any special advantages for certain groups or individuals.
In simple words: Political justice means everyone has equal rights and chances. This happens in a democracy through voting, free speech, equal opportunity for jobs, and no special favors for anyone.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing sources, always provide concrete examples of democratic principles that foster political justice.

 

Question 7. Clarify the concept of economic justice.
Answer: Economic justice seeks to create economic equality within society, though complete equality may not be practical. This theory suggests:
1. When economic resources are distributed, the state should consider each person's financial situation.
2. Economic justice aims to reduce the difference between the wealthy and the poor.
3. It advocates for setting limits on how much personal property an individual can own. As socialist thinker Karl Marx noted, the greater the economic divide in society, the more intense class struggles become.
In simple words: Economic justice tries to make everyone equal in wealth, but this is hard. It means the government should think about each person's financial state when sharing resources, try to make the rich and poor gap smaller, and limit how much property one person can own. Karl Marx said big economic differences lead to more class fights.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the tension between achieving complete economic equality and its practical limitations, and include perspectives from relevant thinkers like Marx.