Nicomachean Ethics: Justice and Virtue

Justice as Wholeness of Moral Virtue

  • Definition of Justice: Justice as wholeness of moral virtue. This concept is elaborated in Book Five of Nicomachean Ethics.

  • Two Types of Justice:

    • Justice as the wholeness of moral virtue (total justice).

    • Justice as fair distribution of goods.

  • Types of Injustice:

    • Injustice as a lack of moral virtue.

    • Injustice as unfair distribution of goods.

Comprehensive Understanding of Justice

  • Total Justice:

    • Defined as totality of virtue, includes "holy just".

    • Not merely adherence to law; rather, it follows the law of virtue.

  • Lawfulness in Aristotle's View:

    • A just person is not merely someone who upholds the law of the land, but rather acts according to moral law (the law of virtue).

    • Example: A draconian judge merely follows legal law without compassion is not just.

Characteristics of the Holy Lawful Person

  • The holy lawful person is one who possesses all virtues:

    • Engages with their community.

    • Values the happiness of others equally to their own happiness.

    • Acts within their community to help others achieve their eudaimonia (personal happiness).

Definition of the Virtuous Person

  • Updated Definition:

    • A person who possesses all of the virtues and has achieved eudaimonia.

    • Values the happiness of others as equal to their own.

    • Acts to help others achieve their eudaimonia.

    • Conforms to conditions of virtue by acting characteristically, voluntarily, deliberately, with proper desires, and wishing for good ends.

Active Engagement in Virtue

  • Ambition of the Virtuous:

    • A truly virtuous person is not just concerned about personal happiness but also the well-being of their community.

    • They seek to rectify injustices that hinder others from achieving what they rightfully deserve.

  • Role of Characteristic Action:

    • Actions must be voluntary and reflect one's character positively, showing care for the community.

Perspective Granted by Virtue

  • Virtue allows the holy just person to see the world accurately - a view threatened by ignorance.

  • This accurate view grants a greater freedom than those who act from ignorance or uncontrolled passions.

Summary of Virtuous Actions

  • Condition of Actions:

    • Actions undertaken must be voluntary and characterized by good intentions and proper desires.

  • Every virtue confers a unique perspective on reality, guiding the virtuous person toward seeing what is truly just.

On the Context of Difficulties in Achieving Virtue

  • It is difficult but desirable to achieve total justice through dedication, social interaction, and self-reflection.

  • Addressing systemic issues like poverty is part of advocating for the virtues necessary for eudaimonia in others.

Examples and Hypotheticals

  • Courage:

    • A courageous person acts not only for themselves but also stands against injustice for others.

  • Generosity:

    • Example of "paying it forward" in helping others, enriching community goodwill.

Clarification of Other Virtues

  • Importance of virtues such as magnificence and temperance in social contexts addressed, highlighting their application and social responsibility.

Justice and Fair Distribution of Goods

  • Small Justice (Justice as fairness):

    • Discusses just distribution, which accounts for the relationships among people and the goods exchanged.

    • Requires proportionality in giving to ensure everyone gets what is morally due, varying by context.

  • Rectification of Wrongdoings:

    • When one wrongs another, restitution should aim to restore the original state of fairness—returning wronged parties to equal status.

    • Observes that good laws reflect just actions, referring to fairness in societal constructs.

Justice by Nature vs. Justice by Law

  • Laws should ideally reflect justice, but not all humans laws are just.

  • Just laws should align with morally virtuous behavior.

Conclusion and Reflections on Aristotle’s Philosophy

  • Aristotle’s concepts compel ethical introspection and practical virtue acquisition over a rigid adherence to prescriptive rules.

  • Encouragement to engage with these ideas as a continuous process of personal growth and accountability in one's actions toward themselves and society.

Closing Thoughts

  • The conversation highlights complex themes in Aristotle’s work and encourages students to critically assess what constitutes fairness, justice, and the pursuit of virtue in various contexts. This reflects that while Aristotle provides a framework, the application requires thoughtful interpretation and engagement with values in contemporary society.