This programme, including clips from the film The Help, examines different perspectives on justice by considering the different responses of the characters to racial injustice.
The programme invites discussion of the question 'How do you respond to injustice?' - and sets up any talk about justice or freedom.
The way in which our view of justice is related to our response to injustice.
See if any of those present agree with Thrasymachus, that what we call "justice" is really nothing other than the advantage of the strong and powerful. (Note that Thrasymachus seems to be asserting that this is perfectly ok - the strong do rule over the weak and it is right that they should.) Do they think that it is right and acceptable for powerful people to have this power? If so, then no doubt there will be others who will disagree, and think that something can be done to bring justice to the powerless. If so, what?
See if any of those present agree with John Stuart Mill's utilitarian view, that the just and fair treatment of people is not inherently right in itself but it is useful in that it leads to the greatest happiness for the greatest number. If so, then what if it were found that an unfair treatment of people led to a greater happiness for the greatest number? For example, what if keeping a small number of people in slavery led to many more people having happy lives - would that make slavery right?
See if any of those present believe that justice has a reality outside of ourselves, it is not just something that has been made up and used as a tool - there really is a true basis for justice. If so, where does that come from? Perhaps the discussion may lead to a recognition that this must derive from an independent, timeless, all-powerful and personal being - that is, God.
The way in which our reaction to injustice might change our view of justice. For example, if someone held a utilitarian view of justice but then had a very strong sense that injustice should be dealt with, might that lead them to reconsider their of justice and lead them to the view that justice cannot just be a tool, it must have a reality outside of ourselves. And that might point them to God as the source and ground of justice.
For a short talk
Lifting off from Jesus' statement that "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free" (John 8:32), talk about how freedom comes from knowing the truth about ourselves (that we were created good, but have become spoiled by sin) and about reality (that the God who made us also came to die for us so that we can be forgiven and restored into a right relationship with himself, with others and with the world around). Talk about how that restored relationship will enable us to be part of the way in which God will bring justice in his kingdom.
Background reading
Read the account of Thrasymachus in Plato's Republic (the full text of this book is available online if you don't have a copy). Pick up the story at the beginning of Chapter 3 (section 336)
Read more about Thrasymachus' ideas (and the problems of being clear about what he actually thought/meant) through the article at the Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy
