“For equals should not be treated as unequals, nor unequals as equals.”Aristotel · Politica · -335 · cartea V, capitolul 1
Justice is not the same dose for everyone, but proportion to real differences.
Aristotle distinguishes two symmetrical errors: equality applied blindly and inequality applied blindly. Justice does not mean the same dose for everyone, but proportion. Two students with different preparation do not deserve the same grade for the same work; two colleagues doing the same work do not deserve different pay. The practical problem is deciding which differences matter morally and which are mere pretexts.
Why it matters A thinking tool for any fairness debate, from pay to admissions: it forces you to name the criterion by which you differentiate.