Single Idea 14816

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / c. Justice]

Full Idea

Justice (fairness) originates among approximately equal powers, as Thucydides (in the horrifying conversation between the Athenian and Melian envoys) rightly understood.

Clarification

Melos had surrendered to Athens, and was then cruelly treated

Gist of Idea

Justice (fairness) originates among roughly equal powers (as the Melian dialogues show)

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Human, All Too Human [1878], 092)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Human, All Too Human', ed/tr. Faber,Marion [Penguin 1994], p.64


A Reaction

The moral position of the powerless is a notorious problem for social contract theories of morality. They have nothing to offer in a mere contract.