Needs fundamentally define us as human beings. This volume examines their role in dealing with distributive justice problems through a series of vignette studies. Among other things, it becomes clear that impartial observers make gradual assessments of justice that depend on how well the observed individuals are endowed with a good. If it is known how high their need for that good is, the assessments are made relative to this reference point. In addition, impartial decision-makers make hypothetical distribution decisions considering need, productivity, and accountability. The need of...