According to the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BC), friendship must be added to justice. And there is no need for justice when there is friendship.
“When men are friends, justice is not necessary, but when they are just, they still need friendship.” – Aristotle
Friendship would therefore be a higher value, even more important than justice.
→ Justice for Aristotle
“Moreover, if citizens practiced friendship among themselves, they would have no need of justice; but, even supposing them to be just, they would still have need of friendship; and justice, in its point of perfection, seems to take after the nature of friendship.” – Aristotle
Friendship could therefore supplant justice: if there is friendship, there will be justice. In other words, perfect justice approaches friendship.
→ Aristotle on the lover and the beloved
Aristotle himself begins to compare friendship and justice, with all reservations, by stating:
Friendship is a form of equality comparable to justice. Each returns to the other benefits similar to those he has received. – Aristotle
Originally posted on 11 June 2021 @ 10:13