The Origins of the Debate on Global Justice

Abstract

The notion of global justice and the theory of justice attached to it are new in the current moral and political philosophy. However, this paper aims to show that the present debate on global justice is partially based upon problems and concepts that had previously been an issue of reflection and controversy in the history of the philosophical and juridical thinking. In particular, it tries to be a reflection on the following three ideas: first, on a universal human community conceived of as a framework that coexists with the fact of being a member of particular political societies; second, on the distinctions between perfect and imperfect rights and duties, as well as between requirements of justice and beneficence; and finally, on justification, conditions, and limits for communication, trade and property among members of different political societies.