An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals Justice and Judgment Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Section.Part (if applicable).Paragraph

Quote #10

[…] The case is not the same with the social virtues of justice and fidelity. They are highly useful, or indeed absolutely necessary to the well-being of mankind: but the benefit resulting from them is not the consequence of every individual single act; but arises from the whole scheme or system concurred in by the whole, or the greater part of the society. (AIII.3)

Justice and faithfulness are useful values for society but they don't work on an individual level like some other virtues. Kindness, love, and loyalty may be important in one-to-one relationships or in smaller groups, but justice is a much bigger thing. It depends on rules that are set up to keep society running smoothly and ensure that everything's A-Okay.