Category Archives: justice

God Makes Rulers Mad

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“For God the Almighty has made our rulers mad; they actually think they can do–and order their subjects to do–whatever they please.  And the subjects made the mistake of believing that they, in turn, are bound to obey their rulers … Continue reading →

Posted in government, justice, Martin Luther | Leave a comment

Locke on Parents, Children, Liberty, and Natural Law

Posted on July 5, 2014 by Matthew Phillips

“55. Children, I confess, are not born in this full state of equality, though they are born to it.  Their parents have a sort of rule and jurisdiction over them when they come into the world, and for some time … Continue reading →

Posted in education, John Locke, justice, nature, reason | Leave a comment

Unlimited Power is Bad

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Matthew Phillips

“Unlimited power is in itself a bad and dangerous thing.  Human beings are not competent to exercise it with discretion.  God alone can be omnipotent, because his wisdom and his justice are always equal to his power.  There is no … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexis de Tocqueville, justice, Politics, virtue | Leave a comment

John Locke on Tyranny

Posted on July 4, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“199. As usurpation is the exercise of power which another hath a right to, so tyranny is the exercise of power beyond right, which nobody can have a right to; and this is making use of the power any one … Continue reading →

Posted in government, John Locke, justice | Leave a comment

Humanity, Social Life, Justice and Animals

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“A social instinct is implanted in all men by nature, and yet he who first founded the state was the greatest of benefactors.  For man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but, when separated from law and justice, he … Continue reading →

Posted in Aristotle, government, justice | Leave a comment