Commutative Justice

Public Transportation:

• Commutative justice is also applicable in public transportation. When purchasing a ticket for a bus or train, passengers expect to be transported to their destination safely and on time in exchange for their fare. If the transportation service fails to provide the agreed-upon service or overcharges passengers, it would be a breach of commutative justice.

Grocery Shopping: Commutative justice is evident in everyday activities like grocery shopping. When you pay for groceries at a store, you expect to receive the items you've selected in exchange for your payment. If the cashier were to charge you for items you didn't receive or provide you with incorrect change, it would be a violation of commutative justice.

Grocery Shopping

Restaurant Dining

When dining at a restaurant, commutative justice ensures that you receive the food you ordered in exchange for your payment. If the restaurant fails to deliver the meal as described on the menu or charges you incorrectly, it would be considered unfair. Similarly, you're expected to pay the agreed-upon price for the meal you've received.

What is not good about it?

What is Good about this type of Justice?

This ideology discourages donation for the sake of goodness and encourages the idea of equivalent exchange being an absolute necessity. This, in turn, fuels the idea that some people are undeserving of receiving goods because of their lack of the very same. It gives the impression that someone who does good deeds only does so for the sake of receiving something in return, which is not always the case. Furthermore, it fuels the concept of punishment being a requirement regardless of the intention for action taken. If someone is unintentionally killed by another, they will be punished for killing someone regardless. Action is always focused on, as intention is put on a sideline.

Commutative justice ensures fairness and integrity in transactions and interactions between individuals or parties. One significant benefit is that it fosters trust and stability in relationships, whether they're economic, social, or legal. By upholding the principle of giving each their due, commutative justice promotes accountability and reliability. It also lays the groundwork for healthy and equitable exchanges, where individuals feel confident that they will receive fair treatment and compensation for their efforts. Additionally, commutative justice contributes to the overall harmony and functioning of society by providing a framework for resolving disputes and maintaining order. Ultimately, it forms the basis for a just and civilized community where people can interact with confidence and mutual respect.

Fun Fact

• The German philosopher Jürgen Habermas created the idea of communicative justice. Known for his contributions to communication theory and critical theory, Habermas is seen by many as one of the most important philosophers of the twentieth century. He presented the concept of communicative action, highlighting the value of inclusive and transparent communication in resolving disputes and advancing social justice, as a means of fostering understanding and consensus within society.

Does it have different types or forms?

Commutative Justice

Characteristics of Commutative Justice

• Fair and balanced agreements/contracts
• Recompensation (money, favors)
• Happens between two parties with mutual respect
• Each individual involved in the trade is responsible for making sure their obligations are met on their end

Principle of Fairness

Commutative Justice

- Commutative justice is the principle to give everybody equal value of compensation when exchanging goods and services among individuals and institutions.

- Commutative justice is also called "justice in exchange" because it concerns a fair exchange of items or services to achieve equivalence between giving and receiving.

By: Zora, Francisco, Prince, Samuel, Sharini, Annjelyna, Armen and Michael

Simple examples

• Commutative justice is not personal, whether you are rich or poor the retailer does not discriminate to change the price for the designated party.
• I offer to buy your watch for $200 and you agree to the offer. I pay you $200 and you give me the watch. We have engaged in commutative justice.
• If you’re selling your car, commutative justice expects the buyer to give you the agreed amount in return for the ownership of your car.