Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as…
“Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought. A theory however elegant and economical must be rejected or revised if it is untrue; likewise laws and institutions no matter how efficient and well-arranged must be reformed or abolished if they are unjust.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Institutions must be just; if they are not, they need reform or removal, regardless of efficiency.
In simple terms: Unjust systems must be changed.
Key Takeaway
Reform or discard unjust institutions.
Themes
justice
ethics
politics
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- legal reform
- organizational design
- public administration
Key Concepts
social contract
institutional legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria determine justice in institutions?
- How to balance efficiency with fairness?
A Different Perspective
Even efficient systems can be harmful if unjust.