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Single Idea 20985

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

Full Idea

We have to seek institutions that promote justice, rather than treating the institutions as themselves manifestations of justice.

Gist of Idea

Our institutions should promote justice, rather than embodying it

Source

Amartya Sen (The Idea of Justice [2009], 03 'Institutions')

A Reaction

The best quote I can find for summarising Sen's view. He criticises Rawls and others for trying to design institutions that embody justice. Our legal system promotes justice. Do our schools and hospitals? The Department for the Promotion of Justice?

Book Reference

Sen, Amartya: 'The Idea of Justice' [Penguin 2010], p.82