Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.
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Justice and equality, though often invoked together, are distinct yet interdependent ideals that form the backbone of any democratic society. Justice concerns itself with fairness — ensuring that individuals receive what they are due, based on merit, need, or equity. Equality, on the other hand, demands that all individuals be treated the same, without discrimination or privilege. However, absolute equality can sometimes undermine justice, just as rigid notions of justice may perpetuate inequality. For instance, providing identical resources to students from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds may appear equal but fails to be just, as it ignores contextual disadvantages. Hence, modern social theorists argue for “equity” — a dynamic balance that considers differences without abandoning fairness. Philosophers from Aristotle to Rawls have grappled with this tension. Aristotle viewed justice as giving each person their due, emphasizing proportional fairness rather than sameness. Centuries later, John Rawls introduced the “veil of ignorance” — a thought experiment suggesting that just principles are those chosen without knowing one’s social status. His theory underscored that true fairness must protect the least advantaged, not merely maintain formal equality. However, translating such philosophical ideals into public policy is rarely straightforward. Bureaucratic systems often reduce nuanced principles into rigid procedures, where equality is measured by uniform rules rather than outcomes. The digital age adds another layer to this debate. Algorithms used in hiring, lending, or law enforcement claim objectivity but often reproduce existing biases encoded in data. A recruitment system that screens candidates purely on “neutral” data may still discriminate against marginalized groups, revealing how equality in process does not always yield justice in result. Therefore, achieving a just society demands constant reflection — to move beyond mechanical equality and toward fairness rooted in empathy, adaptability, and moral imagination.
What concern does the author raise about algorithms in modern systems?
Show answerAnswer & explanation
Correct option: C — They can perpetuate hidden biases under the guise of neutrality.
They can perpetuate hidden biases under the guise of neutrality. The given passage explains that algorithms in areas like hiring or law enforcement “claim objectivity but often reproduce existing biases encoded in data.” This means that although they appear neutral, they can actually continue or even worsen discrimination, making processes seem fair while producing unjust outcomes. Hence, option (c) is the most appropriate answer.
