Single Idea 18464

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / e. Human nature]

Full Idea

Justice, as has been rightly said, consists in each one fulfilling his [authentic and proper] function.

Gist of Idea

Justice is each person fulfilling his function

Source

Porphyry (Launching Points to the Realm of the Mind [c.280], 6Enn5 44)

Book Reference

Porphyry: 'Launching Points to the Realm of the Mind', ed/tr. Guthrie,Kenneth [Phanes 1988], p.69


A Reaction

This is presumably a direct reference to the theory in Plato's 'Republic'. It makes the connection between virtue and function which I take to be basic to virtue theory, giving it a naturalistic advantaged over other theories.