The Idea of Justice

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In this course, we shall study philosophers, thinkers, and writers who have investigated the idea and the reality of justice. We shall also apply notions of justice to our own understanding of real problems of human law and action and discuss what might be the cures for injustice.

There will be a number of short written reflections (2-3 pages) based on the readings and issues debated in class, and a final paper (10-12 pages). The final paper will be on a topic of the student’s choosing in consultation with the professor. It may deal with a question of justice in the contemporary world, or a study of the ideas of justice presented by a writer not covered in the course.

The United States Constitution declares as one of its purposes, “To establish Justice.” The Constitution of Poland is based on “freedom and justice.” The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union seeks to establish an area of “freedom, security, and justice.” But the Universal Declaration of Human Rights does not mention justice. According to the ancients, justice is one of the four cardinal virtues.

What is common in the understanding of justice? Does it derive from natural law? Positive Law? Divine Law? oies it actually exist? How has the term "justice" been defined, contested, and implemented in history? What can poets, philosophers, playwrights, and great figures in history tell us about justice as a theory and as a practical guide to human action?