Moral: Aristotle 6. justice Flashcards
(47 cards)
What is justice according to Aristotle?
Justice is the disposition to act justly and desire justice.
How is justice defined in terms of acts?
Justice, the virtue, is defined in terms of just acts, unlike other virtues.
What is the focus of Aristotle’s account of just acts?
Aristotle’s account of just acts is largely deontological.
What does justice in the wide sense refer to?
Justice in the wide sense refers to what is legal (virtuous).
What does justice in the narrow sense refer to?
Justice in the narrow sense refers to fairness.
What principle defines justice as fairness?
The principle that each person receives their ‘due’.
What is the focus of justice in distribution?
Justice in distribution focuses on treating equals equally, i.e., rewarding by merit.
What is the aim of justice in rectification?
The aim is to remove the unjust ‘gain’ and compensate the victim.
What characterizes an unjust state of affairs?
An unjust state of affairs is an unjust distribution.
How is an unjust act defined?
An unjust act is one that results in injustice.
What does it mean to act unjustly?
Acting unjustly means voluntarily committing an unjust act.
What indicates a bad character according to Aristotle?
Choosing to act unjustly indicates bad character.
What must occur for someone to be unjustly treated?
The unjust action must be against the person’s wishes.
Can one treat oneself unjustly?
No, you cannot treat yourself unjustly.
What is the difference between possessing justice as a ‘complete virtue’ and simply having all the virtues?
Justice as a ‘complete virtue’ involves a specific disposition to act justly.
What is the foundation of Mill’s approach to justice?
Mill’s approach is teleological, focused on utility.
What is a key difference between Aristotle and Mill regarding fairness?
Mill’s approach values fairness for utility, while Aristotle values it for its own sake.
What is a similarity between Mill and Aristotle’s views on justice?
Both see justice as a special category with rigid requirements.
What is a strength of Aristotle’s approach to justice?
A deontological approach is appropriate as it resists excusing unfairness for utilitarian goals.
What is a weakness of Aristotle’s approach to justice?
It may be too rigid and insufficiently attentive to consequences.
Fill in the blank: Justice is concerned with goods, e.g., money, safety or _______.
suffering.
True or False: Aristotle’s justice is primarily focused on the consequences of actions.
False.
What does Aristotle believe indicates bad character?
Deliberating and deciding to act unjustly.
What is the focus of unjust acts according to Aristotle?
The focus is not on (in)equality of individuals but on the unjust act committed.
