DESERVES meaning and definition

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The Power of Deserves: Understanding the Complexities of Justice

When we say that someone "deserves" something, we are making a claim about their moral entitlement to it. But what does "deserves" actually mean? Is it simply a matter of fairness and equality, or is there more to it than that?

In everyday language, "deserves" is often used to express our sense of justice or morality. For example, if someone has worked hard for something, we might say they "deserve" the reward. Similarly, if someone has been unfairly treated, we might argue that they "don't deserve" the outcome. But what underlies these claims?

Philosophers have long grappled with the concept of deservingness, and there are many different theories about what it means to "deserve" something. Some argue that deservingness is a matter of moral character – if someone has acted virtuously or morally upright, they deserve a certain outcome. Others claim that deservingness is a matter of fairness and equality – if someone has been treated unfairly, they deserve a correction.

One influential theory of deservingness comes from the philosopher John Rawls, who argued that people should be judged by their "natural lottery" – i.e., the circumstances of their birth, upbringing, and environment. According to this view, people who have been dealt a good hand in life (e.g., born into a wealthy family) don't necessarily deserve more than those who have been dealt a bad hand. Rather, they should be judged by their own choices and actions.

Another important theory comes from the philosopher Harry Frankfurt, who argued that deservingness is not just about what someone has done or accomplished, but also about what kind of person they are. According to this view, someone who is genuinely interested in fairness and justice, for example, deserves more than someone who is simply trying to get ahead at any cost.

So how do we apply these theories to real-life situations? When we say that someone "deserves" a certain outcome, what does it mean?

In many cases, deservingness is closely tied to our sense of fairness and equality. If someone has been treated unfairly or unjustly, we might argue that they deserve a correction – e.g., compensation for damages, an apology, or some other form of restitution.

On the other hand, when we say that someone "deserves" something because of their hard work or moral character, we are making a claim about their personal qualities. In these cases, deservingness is closely tied to our sense of morality and ethics – e.g., do they deserve recognition or reward for their good deeds?

Ultimately, the concept of deservingness is complex and multifaceted. While there may be different theories about what it means to "deserve" something, one thing is clear: deservingness is deeply connected to our values, morals, and sense of justice.

In conclusion, when we say that someone "deserves" something, we are making a claim about their moral entitlement to it. Whether based on fairness, morality, or personal character, deservingness is an important concept that helps us navigate the complexities of human relationships and society as a whole.

References:

Frankfurt, H. (1987). The Importance of What We Care About. Cambridge University Press.

Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.

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DESERVES meaning and definition

The Power of Deserves: Understanding the Complexities of Justice

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