Original justice - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Original justice, a concept both primal and elusive, speaks to an inherent sense of fairness and rectitude believed to exist prior to, or independent of, human laws and societal structures. Often conflated with notions of natural law or divine decree, original justice is less a codified system and more a philosophical cornerstone underpinning our enduring quest for equity. The seeds of the idea can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy, with Plato's exploration of ideal forms and Aristotle's emphasis on natural order hinting at an innate standard of rightness. However, explicit mentions remain scarce in early historical documents, with thinkers like Thomas Aquinas developing the concept of natural law in the 13th century as a bridge between divine law and human reason. These thinkers, wrestling with the concepts of free will, determinism, and compatibilism, laid the intellectual groundwork for examining the source of moral authority. The icons of history who most significantly contributed to fleshing out the concept were Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas.
Over the centuries, interpretations of original justice have undergone profound transformations. During the Enlightenment, John Locke's philosophies on natural rights and social contract theory revolutionized the understanding of the relationship between the individual and the state. These foundational principles were further developed by later thinkers such as John Rawls, whose veil of ignorance thought experiment proposed a method for determining a fair and just social order. This thought also drew upon Kantian Ethics, especially the Categorical Imperative. But questions remain: Is original justice a universal aspiration, or is it irrevocably shaped by cultural and subjective morality? How do our cognitive biases and moral intuitions influence our perception of what is inherently fair? The exploration of such questions involves the deployment of tools like the trolley problem variations, and tests of our moral reasoning. The answers may be found in studies of moral luck and responsibilty.
Today, the concept of original justice continues to resonate in discussions surrounding human rights, social equity, and global responsibility. Contemporary reinterpretations often emphasize intersectionality, recognizing the complex ways in which systemic inequalities shape our understanding of fairness. As we grapple with the ethical dilemmas posed by advancements in artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and environmental degradation, the quest for original justice remains a powerful driving force, reminding us of our shared responsibility to create a more just and equitable world. But what does it really mean to be fair, and what moral obligation do we have to secure a just world for future generations?