What does it mean to give each person his/her due ? How has the meaning of “giving each his due” changed over times?
It refers to justice. Justice involves the well of all people. Although there might be broad agreement in modern society about the equal importance of all people it is not simple matter to decide how to give each person his/ her due. The great philosopher explains its meaning giving a very simple example. He said, “Just a doctor is concerned with the well-being of his/her patients, similarity the just rules or just government must be concerned with the well-being of the people. Ensuring the well-being of the people includes giving each person his/her due.
The meaning of “giving each his due” have changed over times:
(i)The idea that justice involves giving each person his due continues to be an important part of our present day understanding of justice. However, our understanding of what is due to a person has changed from time of Plato.
(ii)Today, our understanding of what is just-is closely linked to our understanding of what is due to each person as a human being.
(iii) According to German philosopher Immanual Kant, human beings possess dignity. If all persons are granted dignity then what is due to each of them is that they have the opportunity to develop their talents and pursue their chosen goals.
