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