Bautista, Francis Gabriel S.

GEETHIC Y15

Reflection Paper 2

1. What is own by right and due by right? If you are asked to give your 4
personal examples each, what would be your correct answers?

In the realm of justice, the concepts of "own by right" and "due by right" hold significant
weight, representing entitlements and obligations that are inherent to individuals. "Own by
right" pertains to possessions, privileges, or entitlements that one rightfully possesses or is
entitled to by virtue of law, contract, or moral principles. This could include property, liberties,
or rights that are legally or ethically conferred upon an individual. On the other hand, "due by
right" refers to obligations, duties, or entitlements that are owed to an individual as a matter
of justice or fairness. These obligations may stem from legal responsibilities, societal norms,
or ethical principles.

In my personal context, I can provide four examples to illustrate these concepts. Firstly, as
a citizen, I "own by right" the freedom of speech guaranteed by law, allowing me to express
my opinions without fear of censorship or reprisal. Conversely, society is "due by right" to
respect my exercise of this freedom and refrain from unjustly suppressing my speech.
Secondly, in the workplace, I "own by right" fair compensation for the services I provide to
my employer, as agreed upon in my employment contract. In turn, my employer is "due by
right" to fulfill their obligation to pay me a fair wage for my labor. Thirdly, as a tenant, I "own
by right" peaceful enjoyment of the property I lease, protected by rental agreements and
landlord-tenant laws. Consequently, my landlord is "due by right" to maintain the property in
a habitable condition and address any necessary repairs promptly. Lastly, in relationships, I
"own by right" autonomy over my body and personal choices, while my partners are "due by
right" to respect my boundaries and consent. These examples highlight the interplay
between entitlements and obligations inherent in the concepts of "own by right" and "due by
right" within various facets of life.
2. Among the 4 classifications of justice, what do you think the 2 kinds of
justice that are very much needed at this point in time (today) In the daily
lives of Filipinos and for the whole Philippines?

Distributive Justice: In the Philippines, there exists a significant wealth gap where resources
and opportunities are not equally distributed among the population. Distributive justice aims to
ensure fair allocation of resources and opportunities to all members of society, regardless of
socio-economic status. This is particularly pertinent in a country where poverty and inequality
persist. Implementing policies and programs that address disparities in income, education,
healthcare, and access to basic services is essential to promote distributive justice. This could
involve initiatives such as land reform, equitable taxation, and social welfare programs aimed at
uplifting marginalized communities.

Social Justice: Social justice focuses on promoting equality, fairness, and inclusivity in
society by addressing systemic injustices and discrimination based on factors such as race,
ethnicity, gender, religion, or socio-economic status. In the Philippines, issues such as human
rights violations, gender inequality, discrimination against marginalized groups, and lack of
access to justice for the poor are prevalent. Enhancing social justice requires reforming
institutions and policies to ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all individuals, regardless
of their background. This includes strengthening legal protections for vulnerable groups,
promoting diversity and inclusion in all sectors, and fostering a culture of respect for human
rights and dignity.

Addressing these forms of justice is crucial for fostering a more equitable and inclusive
society in the Philippines, where all individuals can thrive and contribute to the nation's
development.
 3. Who is Martin Luther King jr.? When he was interviewed about justice and injustice,
what did he say? What are the” 3 Forms of silenced of good” he mentioned? Further
explain or clarify the 3 forms of silenced of good

Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement during the
1950s and 1960s. He was an influential advocate for nonviolent protest and was instrumental in the
advancement of civil rights for African Americans through acts of civil disobedience and impassioned
speeches.

In his interviews and speeches about justice and injustice, Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the
importance of standing up against oppression and inequality. He famously stated that "injustice
anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," highlighting the interconnectedness of social issues and
the moral imperative to confront injustice wherever it exists.

Regarding the "3 forms of silenced of good," Martin Luther King Jr. referred to specific ways in
which individuals might fail to act against injustice despite knowing it to be wrong:

The silence of indifference: This form of silence occurs when individuals witness injustice but
choose to remain apathetic or indifferent to the suffering of others. It is a passive acceptance of the
status quo, where individuals prioritize their own comfort or convenience over speaking out against
injustice. King admonished against such indifference, urging people to break their silence and take a
stand for what is right.

The silence of fear: This form of silence arises from the fear of reprisal or backlash for speaking
out against injustice. It occurs when individuals are intimidated into silence by threats of violence,
social ostracism, or other forms of coercion. Martin Luther King Jr. recognized the courage required
to overcome this fear and advocated for the bravery to speak truth to power, even in the face of
adversity.

The silence of complacency: This form of silence emerges when individuals are complicit in
perpetuating injustice by remaining passive or complacent in the face of wrongdoing. It occurs when
people benefit from systems of oppression or privilege and choose to maintain the status quo rather
than challenging injustice. King emphasized the need for self-reflection and moral accountability,
urging individuals to resist complacency and actively work towards positive change.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s identification of these "silences of good" serves as a reminder of the
moral responsibility to confront injustice and advocate for equality and justice for all. He called upon
individuals to break the silence and actively engage in the fight against oppression, discrimination,
and inequality, emphasizing that true progress can only be achieved through collective action and
solidarity.