A Reappraisal of Particular Justice: Aquinas’s Interpretation and Evaluation of Aristotelian Justice

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, University of Qom, Qom, Iran

2 Ph.D. in the Philosophy of Ethics, University of Qom, Qom, Iran

Abstract

Particular justice is a virtue that governs our relationships and interactions with members of society, and unlike general justice, it directs us not toward the common good, but toward the good of neighbors, colleagues, and other individuals with whom we are in constant contact. Thomas Aquinas introduces two types of particular justice: distributive justice and commutative justice. Commutative justice is also divided into two parts: corrective (remedial) justice and reciprocal (proportional) justice. Distributive justice addresses the fair distribution of collective goods and responsibilities, such as honors and merits. This justice ensures that these resources and duties are distributed equitably among individuals. In contrast, commutative justice focuses on ensuring fairness in buying and selling, business, and criminal and penal matters. Both types of justice (distributive and commutative) are realized when equality among individuals is preserved; that is, each person receives their right or their debt is fulfilled. Aquinas regards political rulers as the primary agents for achieving distributive justice and believes that distributive justice forms the foundation of commutative justice and holds priority over it.

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References

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Journal of Philosophical Investigations
Volume 19, Issue 52 - Serial Number 52
Articles
52 Autumn 2025
November 2025
Pages 119-140

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