An Appraisal of Justice in Pakistan from the Prism of Platonic Justice

Abstract

Justice is a precondition of human existence in any civilized society. It is essential for the peace, stability and harmony of the state. The idea of justice occupies a prominent place in the political philosophy of Plato. He was dissatisfied with the then existing disintegrating conditions in Athens, therefore in order to save Athens from collapse, he gave his concept of ideal and just society where absolute justice reigned. Plato concept of justice is twofold that is individually it is a „human virtue‟ which makes an individual excellent and self-consistent while socially it is a social consciousness which makes a harmonious society. Presently Pakistan is passing through a hard time; injustice in both individual and social sphere has degraded the society. The paper explains Plato‟s concept of justice and relates the concept with the state of affairs in Pakistan. The study discusses Plato‟s concept of justice answering the questions as is Platonic concept of justice practicable in a society like Pakistan? Does justice prevail in Pakistan? What factors are responsible for injustices in our society? How justice can bring peace and harmony in Pakistan?