A Theory of Justice Glossary

A Theory of Justice Glossary

abolish

put an end to a system, practice, or institution

adjudicate

make a formal judgment or decision about a problem or disputed matter

arbitrary

based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system

assertion

a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief

burden

a load, esp. a heavy one

coincide

occur at or during the same time

collaboration

the action of working with someone to produce or create something

complementary

combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize each other's qualities

contingency

a future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty

deliberation

long and careful consideration or discussion

distribution

the action of sharing something out among a number of recipients

dominate

have a commanding influence on

excessive

more than is necessary, normal, or desirable

infraction

a violation or infringement of a law, agreement, or set of rules

insofar

as to the extent that

irreconcilable

implacably hostile to each other

maintain

cause or enable a condition or state of affairs to continue

obligation

a duty or commitment

perpetuity

a thing that lasts forever or for an indefinite period, in particular

prejudice

preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience

prerequisite

a thing that is required as a prior condition for something else to happen or exist

presumption

an act or instance of taking something to be true or adopting a particular attitude toward something

primacy

the fact of being more important

propensity

an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way

requisite

made necessary by particular circumstances or regulations

stipulation

condition

utilitarianism

the doctrine that actions are right if they are useful or for the benefit of a majority

venture

a risky or daring journey or undertaking

viable

capable of working successfully

vigilance

the action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties

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