Single Idea 8001

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / c. Justice]

Full Idea

The Greek 'dikaiosune' is inadequately translated as 'justice', but also as any other word; it combines the notion of fairness in externals with that of personal integrity in a way that no English word does.

Gist of Idea

'Dikaiosune' is justice, but also fairness and personal integrity

Source

Alasdair MacIntyre (A Short History of Ethics [1967], Ch. 1)

Book Reference

MacIntyre,Alasdair: 'A Short History of Ethics' [Routledge 1967], p.11


A Reaction

'Dikaiosune' is said to be the main topic of Plato's 'Republic'. Plato seems to have meant it to cover whatever makes a good character. Justice in behaviour presumably flows from internal justice of character (which is, roughly, inner harmony).