Sovereign Maxims
Context: Where without any change in circumstances the things held to be just by law are seen not to correspond with the concept of justice in actual practice, such laws are not really just; but wherever the laws have ceased to be advantageous because of a change in circumstances, in that case the laws were for that time just when they were advantageous for the mutual dealings of the citizens, and subsequently ceased to be just when they were no longer advantageous. (38)
“Among the things held to be just by law, whatever is proved to be of advantage in men's dealings has the stamp of justice, whether or not it be the same for all; but if a man makes a law and it does not prove to be mutually advantageous, then this is no longer just. And if what is mutually advantageous varies and only for a time corresponds to our concept of justice, nevertheless for that time it is just for those who do not trouble themselves about empty words, but look simply at the facts.”
37
Sovereign Maxims
Help us to complete the source, original and additional information
Epicurus 30
ancient Greek philosopher -341–-269 BCRelated quotes
“In justice as fairness society is interpreted as a cooperative venture for mutual advantage.”
Source: A Theory of Justice (1971; 1975; 1999), Chapter II, Section 14, pg. 84
Source: What is Property? (1840), Chapter One
"What Is Justice?" (1952), published in What is Justice? (1957)
“A society is a cooperative venture for the mutual advantage of its members.”
Source: Economics Of The Welfare State (Fourth Edition), Chapter 3, Political Theory: Social Justice And The State, p. 42
“To each according to his threat advantage does not count as a principle of justice.”
Source: A Theory of Justice (1971; 1975; 1999), Chapter III, Section 24, pg. 141
Wason v. Walter (1868), L. R. 4 Q. B. 93.