The Concept of Justice from the Perspective of Plato and Aristotle PDF

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5/22/24, 10:47 AM THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PLATO AND ARISTOTLE | by Ranatglt | Medium Open in app Sign up Sign in Search Write THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PLATO AND ARISTOTLE Ranatglt · Follow 11 min read · Jan 15, 2024 1 The concept of justice is a significant subject illuminated by the perspectives of ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle, who have left profound traces in the history of thought. These two great philosophers had different approaches to the meaning of justice, which forms the foundation of social order and interpersonal relationships in their respective eras and the subsequent philosophical tradition. While Plato considered justice in connection with the individual’s internal order within the framework of an ideal state structure, Aristotle attempted to explain real justice by focusing on principles of inequality and fair distribution. Understanding the thoughts of these two philosophers on this fundamental issue is important for grasping the legacy of ancient Greek thought. This article will explore the distinction between Plato’s concept of justice based on classification within the state structure and Aristotle’s differentiation between inequality and https://medium.com/@ranatglt/the-concept-of-justice-from-the-perspective-of-plato-and-aristotle-7bf183e95262 1/13 5/22/24, 10:47 AM THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PLATO AND ARISTOTLE | by Ranatglt | Medium principles of private justice, outlining the main aspects of their philosophical legacies and examining their differences in perspective. Justice, throughout human history, has been a central theme in philosophical thought. Plato and Aristotle, approaching this universal topic from their own perspectives, provided in-depth philosophical examinations. Plato’s understanding of justice is based on maintaining a balance within the three fundamental elements of the individual’s soul: reason, courage, and desire. According to him, justice is established when each element fulfills its own function without interfering with others. Plato argues that this order in the soul should be reflected in the social order, proposing an ideal society divided into three classes: rulers, soldiers, and producers. The order formed by each class fulfilling its role, according to Plato, is the key to a just society. For instance, a doctor working in their specialized field or a teacher educating students, as emphasized by Plato, exemplify behaviors in accordance with each individual specializing in their own field and not interfering with the work of others. These examples demonstrate how Plato’s concept of justice can be applied in everyday life. Aristotle, on the other hand, evaluates justice based on the principle of “equality.” However, this equality does not imply complete equivalence; rather, it should be understood as each individual receiving what they deserve. According to Aristotle, the essence of justice lies in individuals being treated according to their circumstances and needs. For example, a student receiving a good grade based on their effort or a worker being rewarded for overtime aligns with Aristotle’s understanding of justice. The concepts of justice proposed by Plato and Aristotle continue to have a significant impact on philosophical and ethical discussions today. Both philosophers have provided deep theories on understanding individual and social justice, expanding our capacity to think about the nature and https://medium.com/@ranatglt/the-concept-of-justice-from-the-perspective-of-plato-and-aristotle-7bf183e95262 2/13 5/22/24, 10:47 AM THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PLATO AND ARISTOTLE | by Ranatglt | Medium applicability of justice. Their legacies guide us in broadening our understanding of the complexities of justice and directing our experiences towards a more just society. The legacies of Plato and Aristotle remain relevant for understanding and addressing the challenges humanity faces, as they have left immortal philosophical teachings on the intricacies of justice. Plato’s Concept of Justice: Plato addressed justice in his work “The Republic,” establishing a connection between the ideal world and the real world. According to him, genuine justice begins with the internal order of the individual and encompasses the social order. In Plato’s conception of justice, there is an order where everyone performs their tasks according to their functions and abilities. Plato argues that justice in a society is related to individuals fulfilling their duties in harmony with their nature. These duties are divided into three classes: guardians (government officials), producers (workers and farmers), and rulers (philosopher-kings). Plato advocates that these classes should not mix, and each class should fulfill its function. Justice is realized when an individual finds their place within society. To understand Plato’s concept of happiness, it is necessary to delve into his understanding of happiness because Plato used justice and happiness interchangeably. Therefore, it is essential to investigate what would bring the greatest happiness to an individual. Plato adopted the ethics of eudaimonism, which is part of the ethical teachings of the First Age. Although eudaimonism was initially an independent doctrine, it should be noted that virtues were considered only in terms of serving eudaimonia. However, according to Plato, eudaimonia and justice are not separate concepts. Plato’s discussion of justice aims to find out how a person should live. In his dialogue “The Republic,” he turns the fundamental question of ethics into whether justice or injustice leads to happiness. His criticisms of the Sophists focused on emptying the concept of justice. Justice is generally explained with reference to horizontal relationships between individuals: https://medium.com/@ranatglt/the-concept-of-justice-from-the-perspective-of-plato-and-aristotle-7bf183e95262 3/13 5/22/24, 10:47 AM THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PLATO AND ARISTOTLE | by Ranatglt | Medium “One should not harm others.” This acceptance is concretized by individuals who have a sense of being just. However, Plato’s concept of justice is based on vertical power references. In his answers to questions about the nature of justice in “The Republic,” these vertical power references are seen. Speakers such as Socrates, Polemarchus, Adeimantus, and Glaucon in this ten-part dialogue have brought different definitions to the concept of justice. Justice has been discussed whether it is just telling the truth or returning what is received. However, this definition is problematic because if a person is insane or mentally unhealthy, giving them a weapon would not be a just behavior. Therefore, the definition of justice has been met with explanations such as repaying debts and not lying, but this is in line with the traditional understanding of justice. The second branch of the justice discussion is the definition made by Thrasymachus, stating, “Justice is what benefits the strong.” This definition situates justice as a variable view depending on authority in society rather than a universal concept. According to Plato, this understanding of justice based on the superiority of the powerful provides an advantage to the strong, but it is still accepted in many places. Socrates managed to turn Thrasymachus away from this view. The justice based on the superiority of power no longer traces a value and empties the concept of justice. Plato initiated a new discussion progressing through the happiness of the right and wrong individuals, convincing those with opposing views that wrongness can never be more profitable than righteousness. The discussion then moves on to what is good and whether the just is a desired good for itself. This discussion begins with Glaucon categorizing goods into three classes. Around the question of which of these three classes justice belongs to, the discussion continues with Glaucon placing justice in the second class and Socrates seeing it in the third class. Plato generally defines justice as an individual correctly performing their own tasks. Justice is perceived as the https://medium.com/@ranatglt/the-concept-of-justice-from-the-perspective-of-plato-and-aristotle-7bf183e95262 4/13 5/22/24, 10:47 AM THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PLATO AND ARISTOTLE | by Ranatglt | Medium proper functioning of each part in individuals, referring to a proper power relationship between parts. The three parts in individuals are generally divided into rational, spirited, and appetitive. Plato emphasizes that justice is related to individuals internally fulfilling their tasks. In short, justice is about an individual’s own affairs. Therefore, the justice of the state is an expression of justice in the souls of individuals, along with the actions of the state. The philosophical problem of justice continues to exist as a situation that is not clearly defined. Plato’s ideal state includes a class-based structure where everyone fulfills their assigned tasks, making it easy to achieve justice. Plato’s understanding of justice is fundamentally based on the acceptance of a natural state. Evaluating humans and the state analogically, he expresses that a just situation can be achieved by the internal fulfillment of the tasks of the human organs in a physical context. This natural division of labor ensures the preservation of justice with the functionality and harmony of each organ. Plato believes that this natural order should also be valid within the state and constructs his ideal state accordingly. Plato’s understanding of justice shapes itself with eudaimonism, his criticism of justice concepts associated with power, and his belief in the validity of natural order within the state. According to Plato, justice is about individuals internally fulfilling their duties, and this justice has a reflection extending from individuals to the state. The key to a just state, according to Plato, is everyone in a class- based state structure fulfilling their designated tasks. Aristotle’s Concept of Justice: Aristotle addresses justice in his work “Nicomachean Ethics,” presenting a perspective different from Plato’s. According to Aristotle, justice is based on the principles of equality among equals and inequality among unequals, ensuring that everyone receives their deserved share. Aristotle distinguishes two types of justice: general (universal) justice and particular (particular) justice. General justice encompasses the overall order and laws of society, while particular justice https://medium.com/@ranatglt/the-concept-of-justice-from-the-perspective-of-plato-and-aristotle-7bf183e95262 5/13 5/22/24, 10:47 AM THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PLATO AND ARISTOTLE | by Ranatglt | Medium aims to correct inequalities among individuals. Aristotle, critical of Plato’s views on class distinctions in society, believes that real justice involves each individual receiving their share based on their abilities and contributions. According to Aristotle, the demand for justice is a result of political practice, shaping and influencing political philosophy by deriving it from practical life. The focus of his political views is the soul, and Aristotle argues that the purpose of politics is happiness. Therefore, in his work “Nicomachean Ethics,” he combines moral philosophy and politics, discussing them together. Aristotle’s thoughts on justice are extensively detailed in this work, where he establishes the fundamental assumption that happiness originates from the practice of virtues. Virtues are divided into thought virtues and character virtues, and justice, according to Aristotle, holds a special position among character virtues, emphasizing its importance. According to Aristotle, the demand for justice is a result of political practice, and therefore, he shapes political philosophy by deriving it from practical life. The focus of his political views is the soul, and Aristotle argues that the purpose of politics is happiness. Therefore, in his work “Nicomachean Ethics,” he combines moral philosophy and politics, discussing them together. Aristotle’s thoughts on justice are extensively detailed in this work, where he establishes the fundamental assumption that happiness originates from the practice of virtues. Virtues are divided into thought virtues and character virtues, and justice, according to Aristotle, holds a special position among character virtues, emphasizing its importance. Aristotle’s concept of justice contains multiple meanings. In “Nicomachean Ethics,” he explains justice along with injustice, detailing his views on the topic in the fifth book. He argues that virtues, especially justice, are essential for a happy life and approaches justice in two ways: legal justice and distributive justice. Legal justice involves compliance with the protective laws of the state, while distributive justice is based on the principle of equality among individuals. In Aristotle’s understanding of justice, it is emphasized that justice is a https://medium.com/@ranatglt/the-concept-of-justice-from-the-perspective-of-plato-and-aristotle-7bf183e95262 6/13 5/22/24, 10:47 AM THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PLATO AND ARISTOTLE | by Ranatglt | Medium principle protected by laws. Laws cover every part of society and protect everyone equally. It is also noted that justice includes an understanding of equality. Justice is a concept related to an individual asserting their rights in line with the principle of equality. In Aristotle’s justice theory, corrective justice aims to rectify injustices that occur. This type of justice intervenes to restore balance in situations where there is injustice. This type of justice assumes the role of a judge and takes on the task of protecting justice. In situations of injustice, it intervenes to restore balance. This type of justice assumes the role of a judge and takes on the task of protecting justice. In conclusion, Aristotle’s concept of justice focuses on the universal and particular dimensions of justice. Legal justice preserves the overall order of society, while distributive justice aims to establish a fair balance among individuals. In Aristotle’s thought, it is evident that justice holds a crucial position within the system of virtues and is one of the fundamental elements for an individual’s happiness. Aristotle and Plato, two influential philosophers of ancient Greece, have profound and distinct perspectives on the concept of justice. This essay provides a comparative analysis of their views, highlighting both similarities and differences in their philosophical frameworks. Aristotle’s exploration of the concept of justice encompasses multiple meanings, and he contends that defining justice alongside the concept of injustice is more accurate. He states, “So, it is clear that a just person who adheres to the law and a person who observes equality will both be just. Thus, ‘justice’ occurs where there is adherence to the law and observance of equality, and ‘injustice’ occurs where there is a deviation from the law and a neglect of equality.” https://medium.com/@ranatglt/the-concept-of-justice-from-the-perspective-of-plato-and-aristotle-7bf183e95262 7/13 5/22/24, 10:47 AM THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PLATO AND ARISTOTLE | by Ranatglt | Medium Plato, on the other hand, first introduces the concept of justice in his work “Politeia” (The Republic). Plato defines justice as follows: “Justice saves a person from the temptation to deceive someone, to lie, or to offer a sacrifice to a god or settle a debt in fear of the afterlife.” The fundamental differences between Plato and Aristotle’s concepts of justice arise from their profound philosophical views on how societal order should be structured. Plato advocates for a strict division among social classes and supports the existence of a ruling class, proposing an ideal state model. In contrast, Aristotle adopts a more practical and realistic approach, emphasizing that every individual should receive their deserved share, promoting a societal order based on more egalitarian principles. Plato’s concept of justice emphasizes a clear distinction among social classes, believing that justice lies at the core of the state. Drawing parallels between justice and the reflections in the human soul, Plato identifies three distinct areas in the human soul (wisdom, courage, and reason) and likens them to the three main classes of the state. He organizes the relationships between these areas using the concepts of moderation and justice. According to Plato, justice emerges when an individual correctly exhibits qualities such as wisdom, courage, and reason. Plato contends that justice involves controlling instincts through moderation and not allowing impulses to dominate. He sees rights as integral to justice, while injustice is represented by wrongdoing and excess. To delve deeper into the issue of injustice, Plato focuses on the erroneous relationships between the three parts of the individual soul and the three parts of the state. At this point, he designs the model for the perfect state and outlines the contours of the state’s administration by drawing parallels between ambition and the structure of Plato’s state. https://medium.com/@ranatglt/the-concept-of-justice-from-the-perspective-of-plato-and-aristotle-7bf183e95262 8/13 5/22/24, 10:47 AM THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PLATO AND ARISTOTLE | by Ranatglt | Medium However, some critics find this alignment problematic. Despite criticism, Plato argues that this alignment should be particularly supported during the establishment phase of the state. While designing the state’s structure, Plato also examines various forms of government, including timocracy, oligarchy, democracy, and tyranny. He argues that tyranny represents the best example of injustice among these forms of government. According to Plato’s perspective, measures should be taken against those who act unjustly or violate laws within society. Aristotle, on the other hand, takes a more practical perspective. He grounds the foundation of societal order on the principle that every individual should receive their deserved share, advocating for a more equitable basis for societal order. Aristotle’s concept of justice underscores the responsibility of every segment of society to ensure justice and sharing. In this context, Aristotle’s approach focuses on equality and the principle of sharing among individuals rather than a clear distinction among classes. In analyzing the relationship between justice and freedom, Aristotle directly establishes a connection, asserting that a free society can only be achieved through a just order. Furthermore, he delves into the relationship between justice and the economy, examining the practical applications of justice. In conclusion, the disparities between Plato and Aristotle’s concepts of justice stem from their profound philosophical views on shaping the foundations of societal order and what justice truly entails. Plato concentrates on constructing an ideal state model, emphasizing a clear division among social classes. Meanwhile, Aristotle takes a pragmatic approach, evaluating the current situation and analyzing justice within the context of the present. Both philosophers recognize the importance of justice in a well-functioning state and share the view that an ideal state https://medium.com/@ranatglt/the-concept-of-justice-from-the-perspective-of-plato-and-aristotle-7bf183e95262 9/13 5/22/24, 10:47 AM THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PLATO AND ARISTOTLE | by Ranatglt | Medium should uphold justice. However, their differing perspectives on societal structure and the role of justice within it showcase the fundamental distinctions in their worldviews. Platon Aristoteles Justice Written by Ranatglt Follow 3 Followers More from Ranatglt Ranatglt Ranatglt https://medium.com/@ranatglt/the-concept-of-justice-from-the-perspective-of-plato-and-aristotle-7bf183e95262 10/13 5/22/24, 10:47 AM THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PLATO AND ARISTOTLE | by Ranatglt | Medium Is Electricity Will Lost in 2024? 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