Aristotle's View of Justice from a Buddhist Perspective

 Aristotle's View of Justice from a Buddhist Perspective

📜 Introduction to Aristotle's View of Justice

Aristotle (384–322 BCE) argued that justice cannot rely solely on abstract principles or equal distribution; rather, it is closely related to the purpose (telos) of things and virtue. 

✅ Core Principle

Justice is about "giving each person what they deserve"; however, "deserving" is not based on equal division or individual needs, but rather determined by the purpose of things and who is best able to fulfill that purpose. 

🔹 Example: Distribution of Flutes

Aristotle asked: Who should receive the best flute? His answer is "the person who is best at playing it," because the purpose of the flute is to produce beautiful music, and the one who can best achieve this purpose is most qualified to possess it. 

🔹 Purpose of Politics

Aristotle believed that the city-state is not merely about protecting property or ensuring individual freedom, but about cultivating the virtues of citizens so that everyone can achieve the "good life." Political honors or power should be given to those who are most virtuous and can bring the greatest good to the community. 

🔹 Modern Inspiration

Can a student in a wheelchair join the cheerleading squad? It depends on the core purpose of the cheerleading squad: if it is focused on boosting morale rather than performing difficult gymnastics, then she should be eligible. 

Can a golfer use a golf cart? It depends on whether walking is a core aspect of the game of golf. 

✅ Contribution

Aristotle's view of justice reminds us that the distribution of resources and honors should be based on the virtues and purposes pursued by the community, rather than solely on principles of fairness or freedom. 

🪷 Buddhist Perspective: Comparison and Supplement

1️⃣ Buddhism Also Focuses on "Purpose": The Ultimate Goal of Practice

The "Noble Eightfold Path" states that the ultimate goal of practicing the Eightfold Path is "to attain Nirvana, to be free from suffering and obtain happiness"; if practice deviates from this purpose (such as pursuing supernatural powers or fame), even if it appears diligent, it contradicts the justice of Buddhist teachings. This aligns with Aristotle's emphasis on purposefulness in distribution. 

2️⃣ "Lotus Sutra": In Buddhism, "deserving" is not based on external appearances or abilities, but on the inherent Buddha-nature of all sentient beings. 

Aristotle emphasizes that "whoever can best fulfill the purpose deserves the resources"; Buddhism adds that every sentient being possesses Buddha-nature and the potential for Buddhahood, which is why the Buddha teaches universally and widely. The "Lotus Sutra" emphasizes that "all sentient beings possess Buddha-nature," meaning that even those with dull faculties are qualified to hear and receive teachings, as the ultimate goal is to assist them in attaining Buddhahood. 

3️⃣ "Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra": Generosity and Skillful Means

The flute example expresses that resources should be given to the most suitable; Buddhism employs the concept of "skillful means" in teaching—Buddha uses different methods to guide sentient beings according to their varying capacities. This notion of "deserving" is not based on external abilities but on whether one can provide the most beneficial teachings according to their conditions. 

4️⃣ Buddhist Justice Transcends External "Merit"

Aristotle links "deserving" to performance ability; Buddhism points out that one should not judge solely based on external appearances or current abilities. The "Śūraṅgama Sūtra" states: "If a person's mind is pure, then the land will be pure," emphasizing that inner purity and good intentions are fundamental measures of whether one "deserves" merit. 

5️⃣ "Upāsaka Precepts" Supplement Compassion and Equality

Buddhism believes that the distribution of wealth and knowledge should aim to help sentient beings be free from suffering and attain happiness, rather than simply based on who can most efficiently "use" resources. The "Upāsaka Precepts" teach that upon seeing the suffering of sentient beings, one should generate compassion, and even if beings have insufficient ability, they should be prioritized for assistance. 

✅ Summary of Comparison

Aristotle believes that just distribution should be based on the purpose of things, giving resources to those who can best achieve that purpose; Buddhism further emphasizes "all sentient beings possess Buddha-nature" and "skillful means," balancing purpose with compassion. 

The Buddhist view of justice not only focuses on the realization of results but also values inner intentions and equal compassion, allowing distribution and community development to align with the ultimate goal of alleviating suffering and achieving Buddhahood.