Answer: Protagoras.
Some extra relevant information:
In Plato’s famous work, “The Republic,” various ancient Greek philosophers engage in a profound discourse on justice. While many renowned thinkers are involved in this discussion, notably Socrates, Glaucon, and Adeimantus, one notable philosopher who did not actively participate in the exploration of justice in “The Republic” is Aristotle.
Although Aristotle is widely acknowledged as one of the most prominent philosophers of ancient Greece, his absence in Plato’s dialogue on justice is intriguing. This omission is primarily due to the fact that Aristotle was a student of Plato, and “The Republic” is one of Plato’s seminal works.
To gain a deeper understanding of Aristotle’s views on justice, one must turn to his own writings, particularly his treatise known as “Nicomachean Ethics.” In this work, Aristotle investigates various aspects of ethics and virtue, including justice. He presents his own unique perspectives on the subject.
In contrast to Plato’s theory of justice, which revolves around the concept of an ideal city-state ruled by philosopher-kings, Aristotle takes a different approach. He emphasizes the significance of actual existing political systems and the practical application of justice within them.
Aristotle defines justice as a mean between two extremes: giving and taking too much. He divides justice into two categories – distributive justice, which deals with the fair distribution of resources and honors within a society, and corrective justice, which concerns rectifying wrongdoings and enforcing laws.
While Plato’s “The Republic” delves into an abstract and theoretical exploration of justice to construct an ideal society, Aristotle’s practical approach highlights the importance of justice in actual political contexts.
In conclusion, although Aristotle did not actively participate in the discussion on justice within Plato’s “The Republic,” his own works, such as “Nicomachean Ethics,” provide valuable insights into his unique perspective on this crucial concept. Understanding both Plato’s and Aristotle’s views on justice allows for a comprehensive grasp of ancient Greek philosophy and its contributions to the development of ethical theories.