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Single Idea 5242

[from 'Nicomachean Ethics' by Aristotle, in 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / c. Justice ]

Full Idea

We call 'just' anything that tends to produce or conserve the happiness of a political association.

Gist of Idea

Justice is whatever creates or preserves social happiness

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1129b18)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.173


A Reaction

This is closer to a modern view, though we probably think that some societies might flourish while being unjust, while others might be very just but disintegrate. We are more cynical than Aristotle.