Likverdighet

Likverdighet is a normative concept in ethics and political theory that refers to the idea that all human beings possess equal intrinsic worth and should be given equal moral consideration in decision making. The principle implies that people’s interests should be weighed impartially and that arbitrary distinctions should not justify different treatment. The idea is often discussed alongside related notions such as likeverd (equal value), rettferdighet (justice), and likebehandling (equal treatment).

In policy and law, likverdighet is used as a standard for evaluating fairness in the distribution of resources and access to public services. Policies guided by likverdighet aim to avoid discrimination based on wealth, social status, ethnicity, gender, or other irrelevant characteristics, unless there are morally relevant differences such as need, vulnerability, or responsibility that justify prioritization. The concept thus supports universal human rights and non-discrimination, while remaining compatible with other aims such as efficiency or social solidarity when necessary.

Debates about likverdighet often address its relationship to other principles. Critics argue that an uncompromising focus on equal worth can conflict with efficiency, incentives, or merit-based considerations. Proponents counter that equality of moral worth provides a baseline for fair treatment and can justify measures to correct historic or structural disadvantages. In practical terms, the balance between likverdighet and other goals shapes debates on healthcare priority, education funding, taxation, and social welfare.

See also: equity, justice, equality, discrimination.