The Multifaceted Nature of Justice

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Justice in itself exists in many different forms and upholds various interpretations. Due to its multifaceted nature, justice needs to be analyzed from several perspectives; utilitarian, subjective, and ultimate viewpoint. Utilitarian Justice examines the issue in the broadest sense. It is attainted when maximum utility is with oneself and its community; hence, reconciliation between an individual and the community is of utmost significance. For this goal to be reached, free speech, information, and discussion must be upheld to the most extensive degree in order to arrived at the most just outcome. In Liberty of Thoughts and Discussion John Stuart Mill explicitly promotes these principles. Establishing his argument on Utilitarianism, Mill vigorously upheld the liberty of speech absolutely, except during coercion. These ideas correlate directly with the circumstances in Billy Budd by Herman Melville. In order to defend the actions of Claggart, Billy Budd, and Captain Vere, we must examine the situation in the three viewpoints stated and further justify it in the proximate and ultimate outcome. Only then will justice become apparent.

The ultimate cause of justice when it comes to speech is to have unlimited freedom in expression. According to Mill, Liberty and Discussion should never be suppressed unless under coercion. "Suppose that government is entirely at one with the people and never thinks of exerting any power of coercion unless in agreement with what it conceives to be their voice. But I deny the right of the people to exercise such coercion, either by themselves or by their government. The power itself is illegitimate. The best government has no more title to it than the worst. It is as noxious, or more noxious, when exe...

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... events, he ultimately respected Captain Vere (knowing the circumstances and pressure on the captain) by blessing Captain Vere. Because the story was presented in a broader perspective, we understand that although Claggart wasn't justify in coercion, and Billy would have been better in defending his fallibility, therefore promoting free speech. Given the circumstances, it was just that captain veer executed Billy Budd to exterminate coercion of opinion and harmful thoughts. Had the Captain known more information given the circumstances, the outcome would have been different. But either way, we would learn the moral of the story. Billy Budd is a loyal sailor. His purpose was to promote this freedom. Purpose of freedom is to find our purpose in life: to find a way to help others. His story does teach us a lesson, the meaning of free speech and the omnipotence of it.

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