Réttlátan

Réttlátan is a term used in Icelandic-language philosophy and political theory to denote the ideal of fairness or justice within human judgment and social institutions. It encompasses both distributive justice, concerning fair allocation of resources, and procedural justice, concerning fair processes and transparent decision making.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from rettlátur, meaning fair or just. In philosophical discourse, rettlátan is treated as a normative ideal rather than a policy, and it appears in discussions of law, governance, and ethics. It is sometimes contrasted with related concepts such as réttlæti (justice) and sanngirni (fairness), while being framed as a holistic standard that integrates outcomes and procedures.

Conceptual framework: Proponents describe rettlátan as requiring non-arbitrary decisions, proportionality, and equal consideration of individuals’ circumstances. It is often linked to institutional legitimacy, trust, and accountability, as well as to rights-based and welfare-oriented analyses.

Critique and limits: Critics argue that achieving rettlátan can conflict with efficiency or resource constraints, and that cultural context shapes what counts as fair. Applying the standard across diverse populations may require careful balancing of competing duties and interests.

This compact concept serves as a reference point in debates about how societies should design laws, policies, and institutions to uphold fairness and trust.