Evolution of Justice: Philosophical and Legal Perspectives
The Concept of Justice
The word justice comes from Latin justitia, defined in Roman law as the constant and permanent will to give everyone his due.
Ancient Philosophers
Plato
For Plato, a just society is one where each person performs the function that best suits their abilities. Wise rulers govern, strong guardians protect, and economic goods are distributed to prioritize social goals over individual ones. Roles are assigned based on natural talent, aiming for social harmony.
Aristotle
Aristotle links
Read MoreThe Rational Animal: Greek Perspectives on Human Nature
1) The Greeks: The Rational Animal
1.1 The Homeric Hero
Philosophical thought based on reason emerged in 6th century BC Greece as a tool to explain reality. Before the rise of philosophical reason, nature and existence were explained through myths. Poets like Homer and Hesiod offered myths that included not only physical reality but also human nature. Myths explained who the ancient Greeks were, their origins, etc. Myths presented an ideal model for the Greeks: anthropomorphic gods and heroes (superhuman
Read MoreExploring Moral Philosophies and Social Contracts
Intrinsic Fundamentals
Thinkers believe that external fundamentals compromise human autonomy and morality. Morality, as a guide to valuation, should be grounded in human life and actions.
Teleological Ethics
Justifying moral purpose focuses on happiness as the ultimate goal. Aristotle argued that happiness stems from what differentiates us from other creatures.
Hedonism
Devotion to pleasure is essential, requiring wisdom in calculation. Friendship is considered the greatest pleasure.
Utilitarianism
Stuart
Read MorePhilosophical Concepts: Kant, Nietzsche, Freud, and Marx
Kantian Maxim Definition
The maxim is the subjective principle that determines the subject’s will, moving them to act.
Unique Actions for Kantian Morality
Kant argues that theoretical reason cannot ignore empirical data. However, for moral decisions, practical reason is used, focusing on how humans should behave.
Common Features of Sophist Thinking
- Relativism: The absence of absolute truths.
- Skepticism: The impossibility of knowing absolute truths.
- Detachment of Language from Reality.
- Conventionalism: Morality
Immanuel Kant: Philosophy of Transcendental Idealism
Immanuel Kant
Critique of Pure Reason
One of Kant’s major works, the Critique of Pure Reason, addresses the limits and scope of human knowledge, exploring the possibility of empirical science and metaphysics. Kant’s work was influenced by several key movements and thinkers:
Influences
- Rationalism: “Nothing is in the intellect that has not been received by the senses, except the understanding itself.”
- Empiricism: Scientific knowledge is grounded in experience, suggesting the possibility of metaphysics
Metaphysics: Key Concepts and the Question of God
Key Concepts
Ente (from Latin, meaning “being”) refers to any reality. Be (from Latin esse) is the principle constituent of a body, determining what it is.
Ontology is the part of metaphysics concerned with the body and modes of being. It studies being in general and issues common to all entities.
Theology is a philosophical discipline about the existence and essence of God as the first cause of beings. Essence is what makes an entity what it is, determining its individuality and species.