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Single Idea 20534

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 1. Basis of justice]

Full Idea

Justice is the last virtue of society, or at least the last resort. Rights, or considerations of justice, are like an insurance policy: something offering security to fall back on.

Gist of Idea

Rights and justice are only the last resorts of a society, something to fall back on

Source

Jonathan Wolff (An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev) [2006], 6 'Transcending')

A Reaction

I like this. He points out that a good family doesn't talk of rights and justice. We want a friendly harmonious society, with safety nets.

Book Reference

Wolff,Jonathan: 'An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev)' [OUP 2006], p.198