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Single Idea 21087

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

Full Idea

If justice perishes, there is no further point in men living on earth.

Gist of Idea

Human life is pointless without justice

Source

Immanuel Kant (Metaphysics of Morals I: Doctrine of Right [1797], §49 Gen E)

A Reaction

I suspect that human life is also pointless if it only involves justice, and nothing else worthwhile. Are there other things so good that we might sacrifice justice to achieve them? How about maximal utilitarian happiness?

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Political Writings', ed/tr. Reiss,Hans [CUP 1996], p.155