Single Idea 3560

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 1. Contractarianism]

Full Idea

There is no such things as justice in itself; in people's relations with one another in any place and at any time it is a contract about not harming or being harmed.

Gist of Idea

Justice is merely a contract about not harming or being harmed

Source

Epicurus (Principle Doctrines ('Kuriai Doxai') (frags) [c.290 BCE], 33), quoted by Julia Annas - The Morality of Happiness 13.2

Book Reference

Annas,Julia: 'The Morality of Happiness' [OUP 1995], p.294