1. **State the problem:** We are given that $a - b = b - c = 2$ and need to find the value of $$\frac{(a - b)^2 + (b - c)^2}{(a - c)^2}.$$\n\n2. **Use the given equalities:** Since $a - b = 2$ and $b - c = 2$, substitute these values into the numerator: $$(a - b)^2 + (b - c)^2 = 2^2 + 2^2 = 4 + 4 = 8.$$\n\n3. **Find $a - c$:** Note that $$a - c = (a - b) + (b - c) = 2 + 2 = 4.$$\n\n4. **Calculate the denominator:** $$(a - c)^2 = 4^2 = 16.$$\n\n5. **Form the fraction and simplify:** $$\frac{8}{16} = \frac{\cancel{8}^1}{\cancel{16}^2} = \frac{1}{2}.$$\n\n6. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{\frac{1}{2}}.$$