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Single Idea 3560

[filed under theme 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 Ref

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


The 11 ideas from 'Principle Doctrines ('Kuriai Doxai') (frags)'

Bodies are combinations of shape, size, resistance and weight [Epicurus]
We value our own character, whatever it is, and we should respect the characters of others [Epicurus]
In the study of philosophy, pleasure and knowledge arrive simultaneously [Epicurus]
Justice is a pledge of mutual protection [Epicurus]
It is a great good to show reverence for a wise man [Epicurus]
Justice is merely a contract about not harming or being harmed [Epicurus]
A law is not just if it is not useful in mutual associations [Epicurus]
It is small-minded to find many good reasons for suicide [Epicurus]
If everything is by necessity, then even denials of necessity are by necessity [Epicurus]
Pleasure and virtue entail one another [Epicurus]
What happens to me if I obtain all my desires, and what if I fail? [Epicurus]