Social Justice as a Struggle between Utilitarianism and Individualism

Much has been said about moral and social justice in the realm of philosophical knowledge; the concept of ‘public good’ threads through all epochs of philosophical development, spanning from Antiquity to modernity. However, this article proposes to examine the issue from a particular angle. This dichotomy allows us to divide the vast cluster of moral-ethical theories into two major groups: those who conceptualize their system based on the common good and those who derive from strong individualistic foundations. The article not only offers a description of each of these approaches but also contextualizes their outcomes through the lens of modernity. The conclusions will be based on a broad array of sources, comprising both specialized literature and classical treatises of thinkers. Moving forward, a nuanced approach that acknowledges the interplay between collective welfare and individual rights is essential for advancing a more just and equitable society.