more on this theme | more from this thinker
Full Idea
The justice of nature is a pledge of reciprocal usefulness, neither to harm one another nor to be harmed.
Gist of Idea
Justice is a pledge of mutual protection
Source
Epicurus (Principle Doctrines ('Kuriai Doxai') (frags) [c.290 BCE], 31)
Book Ref
Epicurus: 'The Epicurus Reader', ed/tr. Inwood,B. /Gerson,L. [Hackett 1994], p.35
A Reaction
Notice that justice is not just reciprocal usefulness, but a 'pledge' to that effect. This implies a metaethical value of trust and honesty in keeping the pledge. Is it better to live by the pledge, or to be always spontaneously useful?
| 14524 | Bodies are combinations of shape, size, resistance and weight [Epicurus] |
| 14517 | We value our own character, whatever it is, and we should respect the characters of others [Epicurus] |
| 14518 | In the study of philosophy, pleasure and knowledge arrive simultaneously [Epicurus] |
| 14513 | Justice is a pledge of mutual protection [Epicurus] |
| 14519 | It is a great good to show reverence for a wise man [Epicurus] |
| 3560 | Justice is merely a contract about not harming or being harmed [Epicurus] |
| 14515 | A law is not just if it is not useful in mutual associations [Epicurus] |
| 14520 | It is small-minded to find many good reasons for suicide [Epicurus] |
| 14521 | If everything is by necessity, then even denials of necessity are by necessity [Epicurus] |
| 3563 | Pleasure and virtue entail one another [Epicurus] |
| 14522 | What happens to me if I obtain all my desires, and what if I fail? [Epicurus] |