What is fairness? Most would agree it involves issues of equality, impartiality, proportionality, openness and due
process. Most would agree that it is unfair to handle similar matters inconsistently. Most would agree that it is unfair
to impose punishment that is not commensurate with the offense. The basic concept seems simple, even intuitive,
yet applying it in daily life can be surprisingly difficult. Fairness is another tricky concept, probably more subject to
legitimate debate and interpretation than any other ethical value. Disagreeing parties tend to maintain that there is
only one fair position (their own, naturally). But essentially fairness implies adherence to a balanced standard of
justice without relevance to one’s own feelings or inclinations.