Justice is a complex matter that involves countless regulations and ethical perspectives. Numerous philosophers from the ancient era and the Middle Ages pondered the meaning of fairness and what constituted justice. Among the philosophers who provided their views on the topic were Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. However, justice can be analyzed through the lenses of assumptions made by these philosophers, who share certain similarities and yet tend to be opposite in beliefs due to the extent to which the masses are involved in the matter.
When it comes to the similarities, both views respect the presence of bigger authority present in society. For instance, both Rousseau and Hobbes believe in the idea of the government being responsible for justice in society. However, the perspectives share more differences rather than similarities. According to Thomas Hobbes’ theory, all regulations written by a sovereign are justifiable and fair (Mirakhor & Askari, 2019). He argued that rules are appropriate even when they seem absurd to populations since they serve to safeguard the common good (Mirakhor & Askari, 2019). He never considers revolt inside a country to be legitimate.
In turn, Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s views on fair norms are almost the polar opposite of the previous philosopher. In this situation, the man thinks that fair rules are developed by popular consent and the complete involvement of the masses (Mirakhor & Askari, 2019). Therefore, when looking at this subject through different lenses, it appears that while some argue that justice administered by only one responsible person is correct, others perceive justice as decisions supported by the masses.
To further explore the given subject, I would continue analyzing the aspects of the given philosophers. Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Hobbes illustrate the perspectives of justice that can still be applied today. While the former has a more democratic approach, the latter tends to be authoritarian in his remarks. Therefore, it would be essential to continue learning about these lenses and other comments made by these people.
Justice can be viewed through the lenses of Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who, although they have certain viewpoints in common, tend to disagree on important issues because of how deeply the people were engaged. For instance, Rousseau and Hobbes concur that social fairness is the responsibility of the government. Hobbes’ philosophy, however, contends that all laws passed by a sovereign are justified and equitable. According to Rousseau, just laws are created with the permission of the people and with their full participation.
Reference
Mirakhor, A, & Askari, H. (2019). Conceptions of justice from earliest history to Islam. Palgrave Macmillan.