The Improper Pursuit of Social Justice

Due to cognitive biases, divergent interests and preferences of different social groups, historical conditions, or practical circumstances, the pursuit of social justice can sometimes be misdirected. This misdirection primarily manifests in the improper pursuit of equality and liberty, as well as procedural justice. Three categories of the improper pursuit of equality are egalitarianism, populism, and the tyranny of the majority. Improper pursuit of liberty includes the dominance of economic supremacy and the one-way liberty of vested interests. Improper procedural justice encompasses situations where efforts to achieve just outcomes compromise procedural integrity through technical errors or where the process is manipulated and unilaterally controlled by vested interests, effectively “drawing water to their own mill.” When the pursuit of social justice is misdirected, it inevitably leads to injustice and triggers various negative social effects. Addressing this issue requires a scientific understanding and accurate grasp of social justice, along with upholding and promoting it through the spirit of the rule of law.