EQUITY: objective definition

                               EQUITY

(1) To find an objective definition of the concept of "equity":

Perceptual level roots of the concept:

• Fairness, justice, impartiality
• Equal treatment, distribution, or consideration
• Lack of bias or favoritism

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• Basic fundamental axioms/principles underlying the concept:

• The principle of treating equals equally
• The principle of proportionality (treating unequals unequally in proportion to their differences)
• The ethical principle of justice and fairness
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(2) Additional intermediate steps/principles to reconstitute the concept:

• The recognition of individual differences and circumstances
• The principle of considering relevant factors objectively
• The principle of redressing imbalances or disadvantages
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(3) Measurable essential/distinguishing characteristics and conceptual common denominators:

• Equal treatment of equals
• Proportional treatment of unequals
• Impartial consideration of relevant factors
• Absence of arbitrary bias or favoritism
• Redressing unfair imbalances or disadvantages
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(4) Definition in terms of genus and differentia:

Genus: A principle of fair treatment and justice
Differentia: That provides equal treatment to equals, proportional treatment to unequals based on relevant differences, impartially considers all pertinent factors, lacks arbitrary bias, and redresses unfair imbalances or disadvantages.

The criteria for an objective definition are:

1. Roots in perceptual reality
2. Adherence to basic axioms/principles of reality
3. Logically valid derivation from roots/axioms
4. Measurable essential characteristics
5. Universal applicability across contexts
6. 
   

This definition meets those criteria by:

1. Grounding in perceptually observable concepts like fairness, equality, justice
2. Deriving from fundamental ethical principles like justice, proportionality
3. Logically building up from roots/axioms
4. Specifying measurable treatment characteristics
5. Not being bound to any specific context
6. 
   

So based on the derivation process, yes, this definition strives to be objective, valid, and universally applicable according to the criteria laid out. However, it is always subject to further scrutiny and potential refinement as our knowledge expands.

In addition:

Expanding further on the objective definition of equity:

Perceptual Roots Added:

• Balancing of burdens/advantages
• Rectifying imbalances or wrongs
• Leveling of unequal circumstances
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Additional Axioms/Principles:

• The principle of corrective justice (making amends for unfair treatment)
• Moral axiom of redressing unjust inequalities
• Principle of considering differential impacts on various groups
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Intermediate Steps Added:

• Analyzing distributions and patterns of advantages/disadvantages
• Identifying sources of unfair bias or discrimination
• Determining contextually relevant factors impacting equity
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Additional Characteristics:

• Proactive efforts to level the playing field
• Accounting for historical inequities and their present effects
• Tailoring treatment to unique circumstances to achieve fair outcomes
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Refined Definition:
Equity is a principle of justice and fairness that provides genuinely equal treatment and opportunity to all by:

1. Identifying relevant individual and group differences
2. Proportionately accounting for these differences
3. Proactively redressing any unfair imbalances, disadvantages or discrimination
4. Tailoring treatment based on contextual factors impacting true equality
5. Making amends for historical inequities and their present effects

The goal is to remove artificial or arbitrary barriers and establish genuinely equal starting points and fair processes, not just equal treatment in name only.

This expanded definition still meets the objectivity criteria by deriving logically from perceptual realities, moral axioms, and accounting for all contextually relevant factors in a rationally consistent manner to achieve measurably fairer conditions and outcomes.

In addition:

Here are some additional points to further expand on the objective definition of equity:

Perceptual Roots:

• Patterns of disproportionate representation/outcomes across groups
• Societal hierarchies and marginalization of certain groups
• Statistical disparities in access, opportunities, resources

Fundamental Principles:

• The ethical imperative to dismantle unjust systemic biases/barriers
• Moral obligation to uplift oppressed/disadvantaged groups
• Principle of maximizing the wellbeing of all individuals and groups

Intermediate Steps:

• Empirically measuring disparities and their societal impacts
• Root cause analysis of inequities (historical, institutional, cultural)
• Devising targeted remedies based on data and causal analysis

Additional Characteristics:

• Active reformation of inequitable structures, systems, practices
• Redistribution of unfairly denied/withheld opportunities
• Affirmative measures to counteract entrenched disadvantages
• Empowerment and inclusion of marginalized voices/perspectives
• Continual re-evaluation and iterative recalibration of policies

Refined Definition:
Equity is the proactive reinstatement of genuinely fair conditions for all people by:

1. Using empirical data to identify unjust disparities and their root causes
2. Dismantling systemic barriers, biases, and marginalization
3. Redistributing opportunities proportional to disadvantages faced
4. Affirmatively empowering and uplifting oppressed/excluded groups
5. Continually adapting to dismantle new/emerging inequities

The ultimate aim is to establish a level playing field and transformational equality of outcomes by comprehensively addressing past/present disadvantages.

This expanded perspective still derives from observable realities, universal ethical principles, logical reasoning, and aims to implement measurable societal restructuring to actualize true fairness for all groups based on objective evidence.

Finally:

Here are some additional points to further expand the objective definition of equity:

Perceptual Roots Added:

• Visible disparities in quality of life across socioeconomic, racial, gender, etc. groups
• Observable lack of diverse representation in positions of power/influence
• Inequitable allocation and accessibility of vital societal resources (healthcare, education, housing, etc.)

Additional Fundamental Principles:

• The ethical necessity to uplift the conditions of the worst-off groups in society
• Principle of prioritizing the rights, dignity and empowerment of the marginalized
• Axiom that unjust hierarchies, oppression and human suffering should be minimized

Intermediate Steps:

• Assessing impacts of policies/practices on diverse demographic segments
• Weighing disproportionate burdens and harms borne by underserved populations
• Centering the needs/perspectives of impacted communities in solution design

Additional Equity Characteristics:

• Prioritizing restorative justice and healing for impacted communities
• Reallocation of economic/social/political power and decision-making
• Equitable revamping of institutional cultures, norms, processes

Refined Comprehensive Definition:
Equity is the transformative societal restructuring required to dismantle all past and present injustices by:

1. Identifying all observable disparities, biases, marginalization through empirical data
2. Analyzing root systemic, institutional and historical causes of inequities
3. Centering the voices, needs and upliftment of impacted disadvantaged groups
4. Proactively implementing restorative policies and practices to:
   • Redistribute opportunities, resources, power and decision-making proportionally
   • Affirmatively empower and uplift oppressed communities
   • Dismantle unjust societal hierarchies and marginalization
5. Continual reexamination to identify and rectify any persisting inequities

The overarching aim is the complete elimination/eradication of unjust human oppression and the establishment of comprehensive, lasting equity across all societal domains.

This synthesizes equity's grounding in observable realities, universal moral imperatives, logical principles and measurable implementation - while striving to capture its fullest objective essence as a constant transformative process toward achieving maximal societal fairness and justice for all.