Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Maryam Ardeshir Larijani ¹
• Abdollah Abedifar ²

¹ Assistant Professor / Department of Moral Philosophy / Faculty of Theology/Qom University/ Qom/ Iran

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

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.

Keywords

• Aquinas
• Aristotle
• Justice
• Particular Justice
• General Justice
• Distributive Justice
• Commutative Justice

Main Subjects

• philosophy