The Difference between Formal and Substantive Equality

Most people agree that fairness is an important normative ideal. It is not always clear what is meant by fairness, but many would argue that fairness demands equal treatment, at least when it comes to deriving the rules and laws by which society is governed. Although some anarchists believe there is no need for rules governing society, other than the defense of private property rights, many people support the classical liberal ideal of equality under the law. It may therefore be helpful to clari...