Single Idea 7245

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 2. The Law / c. Natural law]

Full Idea

The laws of natural justice, lacking any natural sanctions, are unavailing among men. In fact, such laws merely benefit the wicked and injure the just, since the just respect them while others do not do so in return.

Gist of Idea

Natural justice, without sanctions, benefits the wicked, who exploit it

Source

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], II.06)

Book Reference

Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Social Contract', ed/tr. Cranston,Maurice [Penguin 1972], p.81


A Reaction

This seems a very accurate observation, and points us towards either contracts, or a justification of the use of force by good people.