Restraints should not be placed on human conduct. Charles Darwin believed in the survival of the fittest, which basically means that only the stronger deserve to and will survive. Under this suggested law of nature, the Athenians had every right to conquer the Melians. Even if their actions of violence may have been cruel, they still had every right to go forth with their actions. In addition, the Melians also have every right to retaliate in their future.
We could compare this to a scenario where I get punched in the stomach for my lunch money by a bully that is three times my size. Sure it would be a bit unfair for me and I would probably complain a bit, but he has every right to act that way under the laws of nature simply because he is stronger than me. However under the same laws, I have my own right to retaliate. Say maybe I take boxing lessons and return a few months later to vengefully punch him in the gut for his own lunch money.
To summarize this metaphor, the Melians as well as I, have the sweet option of retaliation towards our offenders. Although one may argue that it is unjust for the Athenians to strike down at a weaker foe, they cannot be blamed for finding their own ways to gain their superiority in strength over time. And in a world where much of nature is defined by having the stronger prevail, the Athenians actions toward the Melians, although harsh, cruel, and unethical, are still just.
Humans have evolved, though, to the point where we have a conscience. Lawfully, the weaker group may not be able to stop the stronger group, but it doesn't mean that the stronger group isn't doing something wrong by being merciless and mercenary. Innate conscience should always be considered.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Darcy. I think there is also a difference between between how people act in reality and how they ought to act, which was part of the prompt question. Should people be motivated solely by a desire to have superior strength? This seems to discount the moral conscience which we all clearly have as humans.
ReplyDeleteI don't agree that what the Athenians are doing is inherently just, only because they have more power. While I do agree that the Athenians shouldn't be held back as a way to give the Melians more power, I don't think that means the Athenians are just. Like Darcy was saying about conscience, I doubt that even people who take advantage of other, weaker states/people still think it's the right thing. To extend the metaphor, I don't think that the bully would truly believe that hitting you in the stomach is a just thing.
ReplyDeleteOkay, Sammy. I'm pulling out the big guns: Mr. Hitler, himself. Would you say his actions were just? If he took actions agains you and yours, would you say he was just simply because he had the power to do what he did?
ReplyDeleteSecond consideration: is our criminal justice system a mistake? Should we not have laws about murder, theft, etc? Aren't you essentially saying that there is no such thing as a crime?