Four Lenses, One Focus:

The Multidimensional Study of Justice Through Liberal Arts

Michael T. Banister
Southern New Hampshire University
IDS-100-Q4738 Perspectives in Liberal Arts
Brian Hoffmeyer
April 16, 2023

Justice is a fundamental concept that lies at the heart of human society. It

has been studied by scholars from various disciplines, including history, social
science, natural science, and humanities. Each lens offers a unique perspective on
justice, and together they provide a comprehensive understanding of this complex
and multifaceted concept. The liberal arts, which encompass all of these fields,
offer a unique opportunity to examine justice from a multidimensional perspective.
This essay aims to explore justice through the four lenses of liberal arts:
history, social science, natural science, and humanities. It seeks to provide a
comprehensive analysis of the concept of justice and its evolution over time, as
well as its cultural, ethical, and legal dimensions. By examining justice through
the liberal arts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social structures and
legal systems that shape our society. We can also explore the ways in which justice
has been understood and pursued in different cultures and historical contexts.
Through this multidimensional study of justice, we can discover the ways in which
different lenses intersect and influence each other, creating a more nuanced and
holistic understanding of the concept.

The Lenses and Their Key Characteristics

The study of history through the lens of liberal arts offers a unique
perspective on the past, including the activities of human beings and developments
in social, economic, and political spheres. Historians use a range of primary and
secondary sources, such as documents, artifacts, and oral history, to reconstruct
past events and gain a deeper understanding of their influence on the present. By
analyzing the past, historians seek to provide insight into current societal issues
and prevent repeating past mistakes. The history lens also provides insight into
the evolution of justice systems throughout different historical periods and
cultures. Historians use a range of perspectives and approaches to analyze
historical events and their significance, providing a detailed account of the past
that can help us understand and learn from it.
The social science lens provides a framework for understanding the social
structures and inequalities that underlie legal systems. By examining the
relationship between race, class, gender, and access to justice, we can identify
patterns of social injustice that are perpetuated by legal systems. The social
sciences lens uses quantitative research methods, such as experiments and surveys,
to gather and analyze data on social behavior, attitudes, and trends. They aim to
uncover patterns and correlations in the data and use statistical techniques to
test hypotheses and theories. The ultimate goal of social science research is to
gain a deeper understanding of human society and to develop evidence-based
interventions to address social issues.
The natural science lens is focused on the study of the natural world,
encompassing physical and biological phenomena, and relies on the scientific
method. Natural scientists use experiments, observations, and quantitative analysis
to test hypotheses and develop theories. It is noteworthy that the natural sciences
are characterized by their reliance on empirical evidence and the use of the
scientific method to test hypotheses and theories. This process involves developing
testable predictions, designing experiments to collect data, analyzing and
interpreting results, and drawing conclusions based on evidence.
The humanities lens is centered on exploring the cultural and artistic
expressions of humanity, including philosophy, literature, music, and art.
Humanities scholars rely on critical thinking, interpretation, and textual analysis
to comprehend and appreciate the meaning and significance of human creations. In
the humanities, scholars rely on interpretation and analysis of cultural and
artistic expressions to understand human experiences and perspectives. They strive
to appreciate and critically analyze the meaning and significance of cultural
creations, such as literature, art, music, and philosophy. The goal of humanities
research is to deepen our understanding of human culture and enrich our lives
through the appreciation of the arts.
Although the four liberal arts lenses have distinctive features, they also
have similarities in their methods and approaches. All four lenses require rigorous
analysis, interpretation, and critical thinking to understand complex phenomena.
Additionally, they all rely on evidence, whether it is quantitative or qualitative,
to support their claims and arguments. Nonetheless, they differ in their scope and
focus. Social science and natural science lenses emphasize objective and measurable
phenomena, such as human behavior and physical phenomena, whereas history and
humanities lenses focus on subjective and cultural phenomena, such as social
movements and artistic expressions.�
My Research
What I Know
From a social lens, I recognize that justice is frequently linked with problems
of poverty, inequality, and discrimination. For instance, individuals belonging to
low-income and marginalized groups are at higher risk of encountering injustice
within the criminal justice system because of issues like racial profiling,
inadequate legal representation, and uneven sentencing. Social scientists
investigate human behavior and how people interact with one another, as well as how
societies operate. They may study crime rates and the criminal justice system,
along with societal disparities that contribute to injustices. Social scientists
may also explore how cultural and historical factors shape our understanding of
justice, including the role of social norms and values in shaping attitudes towards
justice. They might investigate how power dynamics and political structures
influence the distribution of justice and the impact of legal decisions on
different social groups.
Through a historical lens, I understand that the idea of justice has changed and
is influenced by culture, politics, and economics. In older societies, justice was
often about getting even with someone who did wrong, but in modern societies,
justice is more about treating people fairly and equally under the law. It�s
helpful to learn about history to understand how societies have changed and how
past events still affect us today. In the US, for example, slavery and segregation
were important historical events that have shaped how people think about and
practice justice today. In addition to slavery and segregation in the US, other
historical events have also influenced the evolution of justice. For example, the
Magna Carta, signed in 1215, helped establish the idea of the rule of law and limit
the power of the monarchy in England. The Nuremberg Trials after World War II
established the principle that individuals can be held accountable for crimes
against humanity, even if they were acting on behalf of a government. These and
other historical events have had a significant impact on how justice is understood
and practiced in different parts of the world.
Through a humanities lens, I have come to understand that the humanities
encompass various disciplines like literature, music, and philosophy. Through these
fields, the humanities can provide valuable insights into the human experience of
justice. Artists and writers have expressed their experiences of justice through
various forms of art and culture, which can help us understand how different
societies and cultures have viewed justice throughout history. I also recognize
that art and music have been used as a means of protest against injustice and as a
way of raising awareness about important social issues. It is important to note
that justice can be influenced by political power and ideology. The decisions made
by political leaders and policymakers can shape laws and policies related to
justice, which can have significant impacts on marginalized communities and the
criminal justice system as a whole. For example, laws and policies that are biased
against certain groups can lead to injustices in the criminal justice system,
perpetuating social inequality. By examining the intersection of justice, art, and
politics, we can gain a better understanding of how justice works in society and
the role that the humanities can play in promoting a more just world.
Through a natural science lens, I understand that research can play a
significant role in issues of justice across various fields. Depending on the area
of study, scientific research can inform policies related to justice in different
ways. For instance, environmental science research can help policymakers address
the issue of environmental justice by providing insights into disproportionate
exposure to environmental hazards in marginalized communities. By identifying areas
with high levels of environmental pollution, scientists can help create targeted
policies that promote cleaner and healthier environments for all. Medical research
can also inform discussions around access to healthcare and healthcare equity.
Studies can reveal inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes among different
groups, which can help inform the development of policies aimed at improving
healthcare equity. For example, research has shown that certain groups, such as
racial minorities and low-income individuals, experience higher rates of chronic
diseases and reduced access to healthcare services. By understanding these
disparities, policymakers can develop targeted interventions to improve healthcare
access and outcomes for marginalized communities. In general, natural science
research can provide evidence-based insights into the impact of policies and
practices on different groups of people and the natural world. By using rigorous
scientific methods to study complex social and environmental issues, scientists can
provide data-driven solutions to promote justice and equity.
What I Want To Know
Social Science Lens:
How do social inequalities, such as those based on race or socio-economic status,
affect access to justice and fairness in the criminal justice system? What are some
ways that social scientists are working to address these issues? A few keywords to
help me research this question would be socio-economic status, social inequalities?

History Lens:
How have historical events, such as slavery and segregation in the US, influenced
current practices of justice and perceptions of justice? How have historical
injustices been addressed or remedied over time? Slavery, segregation, and impact
on todays justice system would be a few keywords for this lens.
Humanities Lens:
How have different forms of art and culture been used to express ideas of justice
throughout history? How do contemporary artists and cultural figures engage with
issues of justice and injustice in their work? A few keywords for research purposes
would be arts, culture, and ideas of justice throughout history, cultural justice
figures, justice and injustice with contemporary artists.
Natural Science Lens:
How might natural science research relate to issues of justice? Are there any areas
of study that are particularly relevant to understanding justice, such as research
on the brain or human behavior? A few keywords for researching purposes would be
understanding justice, brain, human behavior, justice involving minds and bodies.
What I Learned
When viewing justice through the social science lens while analyzing The
sources cited provide various examples of how these inequalities manifest and are
being addressed. Netherland and Hansen (2016) argue that media coverage of
prescription opioid misuse has focused primarily on the criminalization of non-
white drug users, while ignoring the role of white doctors and patients in
contributing to the opioid epidemic. Alexander (2012) describes how the War on
Drugs has disproportionately impacted communities of color, leading to mass
incarceration and perpetuating racial inequalities. Social scientists are working
to address these issues through various means, such as contributing and raising
awareness about the impact of systemic racism and inequality on the criminal
justice system. The article raises important questions about the role of media in
shaping public perception of drug use and the criminal justice system, and the need
for a more nuanced and equitable approach to addressing drug addiction. When viewed
through a social science lens, justice can be analyzed from various perspectives.
For instance, sociology can provide insights into how social structures and
institutions can perpetuate inequality and injustice. According to Mills (1959),
"the sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the
relations between the two within society" (p.6). By examining how power and
inequality are distributed across different groups in society, sociologists can
help identify the root causes of injustice and promote policies that address
systemic issues.
Historical events, such as slavery and segregation in the US, have had a
profound impact on current practices of justice and perceptions of justice.
Alexander (2012) argues that the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws has
contributed to the racial disparities in the criminal justice system, while also
noting that efforts to address these injustices have been limited. Over time,
historical injustices have been addressed and remedied through various means, such
as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. There have been
many instances throughout history where justice has been denied to certain groups
of people, such as the Jim Crow era in the United States. Also, I now understand
that the concept of justice has evolved over time and has been shaped by various
cultural, political, and economic factors. For example, in ancient societies,
justice was often based on revenge or retribution, while in modern democratic
societies, justice is often based on principles of fairness, equity, and the rule
of law.
Different forms of art and culture have been used throughout history to
express ideas of justice and promote social change. That�s why the humanities lens
is so important. Ryan's (2020) article notes that rap music has emerged as a
prominent form of protest music in recent years, with artists using their lyrics to
address issues such as police brutality, racism, and economic inequality.
Historical examples include visual art depicting social injustices and literature
and poetry critiquing oppressive systems. Contemporary artists and cultural figures
engage with issues of justice and injustice through a range of mediums, including
visual art, film, and literature, with the potential to inspire action and drive
meaningful social transformation. The article notes that rap has become a powerful
tool for raising awareness about these issues, with artists like Kendrick Lamar and
J. Cole using their platforms to call for change. The article also raises questions
about the role of music in social movements and the impact it can have on shaping
public opinion and influencing policy.
"The Iliad" is an epic poem written by Homer that explores the concept of
justice through the portrayal of the Trojan War. The poem examines the consequences
of unjust actions and the role of justice in maintaining order and balance in
society. By highlighting the importance of ethical behavior and the consequences of
unjust actions, "The Iliad" underscores the relevance of justice in the humanities
lens and its impact on the human experience.
"The Republic" by Plato is a foundational text for the study of justice in
the humanities lens of liberal arts. Through Socrates' discussions with various
interlocutors, the text delves into the nature of justice, the role of the
individual in society, and the importance of a just society. It is a seminal work
that provides a philosophical framework for understanding justice and its
significance in society, making it an important resource for the humanities lens
when examining the concept of justice.
When viewing justice through the natural science lens, research can be
relevant to understanding issues of justice, particularly in areas such as research
on the brain or human behavior. Epstein (2016) notes that advances in genetics and
neuroscience can have implications for criminal justice, but also raises ethical
concerns about privacy and discrimination. Research on the brain and human behavior
can provide insights into the underlying causes of criminal behavior and inform
interventions aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry into
society. However, it is important to ensure that the use of scientific evidence is
fair, just, and does not result in discrimination or bias. Epstein's article
discusses the use of scientific evidence in legal cases, specifically the
importance of re-examining old cases considering new scientific discoveries. The
article highlights the potential for science to be used to exonerate wrongfully
convicted individuals, but also notes the importance of using scientific evidence
responsibly and accurately in order to ensure justice is served.
Further Exploration
Two different perspectives, humanities and social sciences, share
similarities and differences in how they approach the topic of justice. They both
use interdisciplinary methods, consider context, value fairness, equality and human
dignity, and are critical of established ideas. However, they differ in
methodology, scope, emphasis, and audience.
The humanities lens looks at justice historically and broadly, while the
social science lens focuses on current society and specific factors. Humanities
emphasizes normative and ethical aspects, while social sciences emphasize empirical
and practical aspects. Humanities targets a specialized academic audience, while
social sciences target a broader policy-oriented audience.
By combining these two perspectives, we can gain a better understanding of
justice and develop more effective ways to promote it. Further research can lead to
personal growth, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, policy and practice
insights, and a deeper understanding of justice. Both the humanities and social
sciences share some commonalities when it comes to their approach to the topic of
justice. Firstly, both lenses employ an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from
various fields to understand justice. They also focus on context, recognizing how
justice is shaped by social, economic, and political factors across different
communities and historical periods. Both lenses are also concerned with the
normative aspects of justice, acknowledging that it is linked to fundamental values
such as fairness and human dignity. Lastly, they take a critical approach to
understanding justice, questioning assumptions and identifying hidden injustices.
However, the two lenses also have some fundamental differences. The
humanities lens tends to rely on qualitative research methods, such as textual
analysis and interpretation, while the social science lens typically employs
quantitative research methods, such as surveys and statistical analysis. The
humanities lens takes a broader, historical perspective on justice, exploring its
meaning and significance across cultures and time periods, while the social science
lens focuses on contemporary society and the specific social, economic, and
political factors that influence justice. Additionally, the audience for the two
lenses differs, with the humanities addressing a more specialized academic audience
and the social sciences aiming to inform policy and practice.
The lenses of the humanities and social sciences offer distinct perspectives
on justice. The humanities lens tends to focus on the normative and ethical aspects
of justice, exploring questions of value and meaning. Scholars using this lens may
examine how various cultural, philosophical, and religious traditions have
conceptualized justice, or explore the role of justice in artistic and literary
works. The social science lens, on the other hand, emphasizes the empirical and
practical aspects of justice, exploring questions of cause and effect and proposing
solutions to address injustices. Social scientists may use data and statistical
analysis to examine patterns of injustice, or design experiments to test the
effectiveness of different interventions.
The different goals of the humanities and social science lenses are reflected
in their audiences. The humanities lens tends to address a more specialized and
academic audience, with scholars seeking to contribute to scholarly debates and
advance knowledge in their fields. In contrast, the social science lens tends to
address a broader and more policy-oriented audience, with scholars seeking to
inform policy and practice through their research. Social scientists may work with
policymakers or advocacy groups to develop evidence-based interventions that can
improve access to justice or reduce inequalities.
Despite these differences, both lenses can offer valuable insights into
issues of justice. The humanities can help us to think more deeply about the
ethical and moral dimensions of justice, while the social sciences can provide us
with empirical evidence on the impacts of different policies and interventions.
Ultimately, an interdisciplinary approach that draws on both lenses can lead to a
more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of justice, helping us to develop more
effective and equitable solutions to the challenges we face.
Further research can deepen our understanding of the complexities of justice,
including the historical, cultural, and ethical dimensions of the concept. This
understanding can then inform and improve policy and practice in areas such as law,
governance, and social justice. In addition, research can lead to the development
of new approaches and innovations in the field of justice, improving our ability to
address social and political challenges. Engaging in interdisciplinary
collaboration during research can also foster dialogue and new perspectives,
leading to fresh insights. Conducting research can also be a process of personal
growth, fostering critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and a
commitment to social justice. By conducting further research, we can continue to
make progress in the pursuit of a fair and just society.
Throughout this assignment I have explored the concept of justice from
multiple lenses, including the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences
within the liberal arts. We have learned that justice is a complex and multifaceted
concept that is shaped by historical, cultural, political, and economic factors.
Additionally, I have discovered that different disciplines can provide valuable
insights into the ways in which justice is understood, experienced, and practiced.
Through examining justice through various lenses, we can develop a deeper
understanding of the root causes of injustice and work towards creating more
equitable and just societies. Ultimately, by prioritizing justice and equity, we
can create a more just and equitable world for all.

REFRENCES

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whiteness, �dirty doctors,� and race in media coverage of prescription opioid
misuse.�Culture, medicine and psychiatry, 40(4), 664-686.
Alexander, M. (2012)�The new Jim Crow.�Ohio State Journal of Criminal Law, 9(1), 7-
26.
Mills, C. W. (1959). The sociological imagination. Oxford University Press.
Alexander, M. (2012)�The new Jim Crow.�Ohio State Journal of Criminal Law, 9(1), 7-
26.
Ryan, P. (2020, June 16).�What do protest songs sound like today? Rap.�USA Today,
pp. 05B.
Epstein, J. (2016).�Looking backwards at old cases: When science moves
forward.�Journal of
Criminal Law and Criminology, 106(1), 49-57.
Homer, Cowper, W., Johnson, J., Fuseli, J. H., Howard, H., Smirke, R., Stothard,
T., & Westall, T. (1810). The Illiad .. Pub. by J. Johnston, & Sharpe & Hailes;
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Plato. (2003). The Republic (G.R.F. Ferrari, Trans.). Cambridge University Press.
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