times can be ascribed to people, and some because of faith. Therefore, it is justified why many
times I find myself contemplate the question of “What is justice.” While in today’s society we
know what words are associated with justice such as fairness and equality, few people are able
to give a precise definition that they stand by. In both the antiquated Plato’s republic and the
theory of justice being utilitarianism, justice calls for a system which the current day society does
not have. For me, justice is what creates the most happiness. I believe that happiness trumps
everything in life, and the definition of justice coincides with this idea.
For Plato, Justice is specialization. People complete their assigned role in society and do
not interfere with the roles of others, and the result makes for an ideal society (Plato). He extends
on this definition by saying in a just community there must be a division of three classes, being
producers, auxiliaries, and guardians. Auxiliaries are the warriors, Guardians are the rulers, and
producers are the farmers, blacksmiths, etc. (Plato). Applying Plato’s theory to the present day
society, I imagine how people would feel in their assigned roles- how happy they are. While
I acknowledge that setting up a society that has independent roles in the working class might
sustain life more efficiently, I question the merits of it on a deeper level. If happiness is not being
granted to the workers, then do the benefits, being sustained living, outweigh this problem?
Under my ideals, I would say the answer is no. This question circles us back around, however, to
if happiness outweighs other rewards. Happiness is an innate desire we have when we have when
we are born; it’s what we strive for every day. Therefore, I think the answer is yes.
Another theory of justice that I am more satisfied with is that of a form of utilitarianism.
Under this theory, justice is when “laws and institutions are such as to promote the greatest
overall or average happiness of its members” (Three theories of Justice). I find utilitarianism
more appealing to me because it supports my opinion of happiness outweighing everything in
life. Utilitarnism weighs the consequences