Single Idea 5

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 1. Contractarianism]

Full Idea

Thrasymachus: Justice or right is simply what is in the interest of the stronger party.

Clarification

'Justice' is the Greek word 'dikaiosuné', which is also general moral rightness

Gist of Idea

Justice is merely the interests of the stronger party

Source

Plato (The Republic [c.371 BCE], 338c)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Republic', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1993], p.18


A Reaction

Not sure whether this is cynicism about the brutal realities of life, or cynicism about the very concept of justice.

Related Idea

Idea 2376 Injustice is the failure to keep a contract, and justice is the constant will to give what is owed [Hobbes]