Exploring Justice as a Social Indicator of Life

This book explores justice as both a philosophical concept and a measurable social indicator for evaluating quality of life. It offers an original framework that integrates ethical theory with empirical applications in public policy, especially in sectors such as health, education, and the environment.

Rooted in the rich traditions of moral and political philosophy, the book redefines justice as a central dimension of human well-being—one that can be both conceptually coherent and practically assessed. Through a critical engagement with classical thinkers, contemporary theories, and applied case studies, the book presents a justice-centered alternative to existing models based on utility, capabilities, or economic welfare. Each chapter bridges abstract principles with real-world implications, offering insights into how justice can be integrated into policy design, performance evaluation, and development agendas. The author challenges the prevailing fragmentation between normative theory and social indicators, proposing a unifying approach that enriches both. This book is essential reading for scholars in philosophy, sociology, development studies, and public policy, as well as for practitioners interested in embedding ethical considerations into social measurement and decision-making. By foregrounding justice as both an end and a means, this book opens new pathways toward a more equitable and reflective approach to quality of life.

Sooraj Kumar Maurya, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Zakir Husain Delhi College (Evening), University of Delhi, New Delhi. He completed his B.A., M.A., and D.Phil. in Philosophy from the University of Allahabad, where his doctoral research examined the ethical discourse on affirmative action policy. With a deep grounding in classical and contemporary philosophy, Dr. Maurya brings a critical lens to questions of justice, rights, and socio-political transformation. Dr. Maurya’s academic oeuvre comprises over 35 peer-reviewed publications, covering a wide spectrum of themes in normative ethics, political philosophy, feminist theory, philosophy of law, and applied ethics. He has authored and co-edited books on topics ranging from digital education to socio-economic challenges, and has contributed chapters to volumes published by Springer, Routledge, Wiley, and IGI Global. His forthcoming monograph, The Ethics of Affirmative Action: Balancing Equality and Fairness (Apple Academic Press, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2026), critically engages with contemporary debates on equality and public reasoning in democratic societies. Beyond his publications, Dr. Maurya has served as Managing Editor of the International Journal of Applied Ethics, a journal by Ramanujan College, University of Delhi and actively participates in national and international seminars and conferences. His scholarship stands at the intersection of philosophy and public policy, offering normative clarity on issues such as justice, equity, and rights in a complex and evolving world.