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Single Idea 5261

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

Full Idea

Between friends there is no need for justice.

Gist of Idea

Between friends there is no need for justice

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1155a26)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.259


A Reaction

This is something like Aristotle's distinction between 'enkrateia' (control) and true virtue. It is an important point for those (usually on the left wing) who think that justice is the highest aim of a society.