Does the principle of considering the special needs of people conflict with the principle of equal treatment for all?
No, the principle of considering the special needs of people does not conflict with the principle of equal treatment for all. Rather, it extends the principle of equal treatment.
The principle of treating equals equally implies that people who are not equal in certain important respects could be treated differently. People with special needs or disabilities could be considered unequal in some particular respect and deserving of special help.
If people who enjoy very different standards of living and opportunities are treated equally in all respects with those who have been deprived of even basic minimum needs to live a healthy and productive life, the result is likely to be an unequal society, not an egalitarian and just one.
Recognition of special needs is considered a way of promoting social justice. While justice may require that people be treated equally in terms of their basic status and rights as members of society, taking into account special needs ensures that people enjoy equality in other aspects of their lives.
Thus, governments need to harmonise different principles of justice — equal treatment for equals, recognition of different efforts and skills, and provision of minimum standard of living — to promote a just society.
Explanation
The textbook clearly states that the principle of taking account of special needs does not necessarily contradict equal treatment but extends it. The key argument is that treating equals equally logically implies that those who are unequal in important respects can be treated differently. The context emphasizes that without recognizing special needs, society would become unequal rather than just. Students should understand that these principles are complementary, not conflicting, and governments must harmonize them.