Book 5
7
Now it appears that the terms Justice and Injustice are used in several senses, but as the equivocal uses are closely connected, the equivocation is not detected; whereas in the case of widely different things called by a common name, the equivocation is comparatively obvious: for example (the difference being considerable when it is one of external form), the equivocal use of the word kleis (key) to denote both the boneThe clavicle (clavis, a key), or collar-bone. at the base of the neck and the instrument with which we lock our doors.
8
Let us then ascertain in how many senses a man is said to be unjust. Now the term unjust is held to apply both to the man who breaks the law and the man who takes more than his due, the unfairThe word ἴσος means both equal and equitable or fair. man. Hence it is clear that the law-abiding man and the fair man will both be just. The just therefore means that which is lawful and that which is equal or fair, and the unjust means that which is illegal and that which is unequal or unfair.
