Fair and Just

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

According to Miriam Webster's online dictionary, the word fair is defined as impartial or without discrimination. The problem with this definition is that it requires a definition of discrimination and impartiality because both words are influenced by the perspective of the person considering the application. For example, it may seem that discrimination has occurred to a particular person in a particular situation based on the impact it has on the person in question. However, one could also consider the situation through the lens of intentionality. If the results were the same and it is confirmed that there was no intention to cause harm to the person in question, rather to ensure fairness to others, then one may believe there was no discrimination. 

So how can we possibly know if a situation is fair if the definition is in the perspective?
Perhaps it doesn't really matter.
Perhaps it is more important to consider the future rather than ruminate on defining the past. After all, we cannot change the past decisions, we can only impact the future. 

A little challenge for you today... notice a situation where you believe it to be unfair. While noting your perspective, consider the root of what is unfair about the situation. Consider the perspective of the impact on others in the situation. Consider what the opposite outcome or the 'fair' outcome would mean for the other and ask yourself the same questions again. 

Then... what steps will you take now?