A just or fair ethical decision occurs when?

• A. benefits and burdens are distributed in fair proportions.
• B. benefits go to majority groups.
• C. burdens are distributed equally regardless of impact.
• D. outcomes maximize overall utility regardless of distribution.

Answer: (A)

Distributive justice is the idea being tested: fairness in how benefits and burdens are shared. The best choice says benefits and burdens are distributed in fair proportions, meaning the allocation reflects fairness rather than favoring one group or ignoring differences in impact. This captures the idea that a just decision weighs how much each party should receive or bear based on relevant factors like need, contribution, or consequences. The other options miss this balance: giving all benefits to a majority ignores fairness to others; splitting burdens equally regardless of how much each person is affected ignores differing impacts; and maximizing overall utility without regard to distribution can sacrifice fairness to individuals or minority groups.