In the Republic, Socrates argues that justice is an excellence or virtue that never brings about harm to anyone since harming something usually worsens it. Therefore, is there ever a time when a just man or woman works what is harmful or brings about harm to a human being?
2007-03-21 13:59:48 · 13 answers · asked by sokrates 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Simply put (and yes this is an extreme situation) - if one man would some day cause the destruction (and by this is mean the extinction) to the entire human race, what should someone who is aspiring to be a just man do? And what if the only way of stopping that guy would be through hurting him (anyway - the only way discovered before he could kill everyone)? Would I be a just man to do nothing, or to stop him by hurting him (however little necessary)? If I ask myself that question... well let's just say I'm not enlightened enough to give an answer that my conscience would agree to.
One more thing to think about - there are numerous ways to hurt someone; some not physical. If you are in the presence of 2 other people and you are asked a question, and you know that any way you would answer you would hurt one of them, but by not answering at all you would hurt them both, what would you do?
2007-03-21 14:26:20 · answer #1 · answered by apvalceanu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And THIS is what I dislike about philosophy...it's fine at just the thinking of, but becomes irrational at the doing. Why would you rely on Kant for your morality and ethics? Why not Heidegger, or Aristotle, or Locke? Why not Nietzsche or Epicurus or de Sade? The list is practically endless. No matter how one chooses to "categorize" people, they're still human beings. And since almost everyone could categorize people in different ways, no one will ever agree. To me, that's a bad system for choosing "worth". What you're talking about is secular humanism 101. Remember those ridiculous questions like, "There are 7 people in a life raft built for only 6. One is a doctor, one a senior citizen, etc. Which do you put out into the open sea?" Nonsense! You try to save everyone. So, you bet, that's some Mein Kampf sh*t right there! We don't get to place differing values on human life. It has its own dignity and worth, just by being human. At least, that's what I believe.
2016-03-28 22:55:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let's assume that there exists in this world, a just man. Though his actions may be honest and righteous they will end up harming others, of course unintentionally. There are those in our human race that are not given the opportunity to perform things that a normal human being can. I am referring to those who are physically challenged. When a physically challenged human being with a pure heart looks upon an individual who has changed the world for the better through his/her honorable actions, the physically challenged individual may be hurt emotionally knowing that they may never get the chance to do something as great. Although this is an instance we cannot control, it is a reality that Socrates may have overlooked.
2007-03-21 14:27:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is Yes
Since the very nature or virtue of being just is not the natural condition and in order to develop this virtue one must go through "training" - this requires an unjust situation - and by the very definition of just not hurting unjust must therefore cause hurt - since the unjust to be turned into just is again forcing or causing harm - again harm or hurt is being translated very loosely
2007-03-21 15:05:30 · answer #4 · answered by a_poor_wanderer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't think there is such a thing as a "just" human being.
All humans are flawed with "self ".. self worth and ego, humans run on emotions, therefore even someone with a more "just" character than most, is still a flawed human being and will "inevitably" hurt someone else "even" if they don't mean to do so, thus the saying "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."
When one human is hurt there is a domino affect, rare that any human gets hurt without it hurting others also, even if we are "unaware" of such because we cannot see or hear the victims of our hurt.
2007-03-21 14:22:53 · answer #5 · answered by dad 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes and no. in most religions, it it wrong to inflict harm to any one at any time. however, in the book of psalms, there is a psalm about asking the Lord to take revange for you against people who have wronged you when you were nice to them (psalm 35). also in a martial arts book entitled "The Life-Giving Sword", by a 15th century japanese swordsman, there is a quote: "There are times when ten thousand people suffer because of the evil of one man. Therefore, in killing one man's evil you give ten thousand people life." think of how many people would still be alive if hitler or stallin died earlyer. but if some one doesnt get what he deserves in this world, he will get it in the next.
2007-03-21 14:11:35 · answer #6 · answered by D-mac 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think a just human being should only bring harm to another living creature, if that creature stands in the way of their survival.
2007-03-21 14:13:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
According to modern western ideals, yes. If a man is about to kill 350 people and you punch him in the face, you are just. According to followers of Ahimsa, no. So there is no absolute answer.
2007-03-21 14:25:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about anyone else here, but I was NOT prepared to let any schoolyard bullies torment me during my childhood. If I harmed them, it was only because they harmed me first. That is just.
2007-03-21 14:08:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I guess that leaves out any leaders of the free world as being just.
2007-03-21 14:03:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋