'DIKAIOSYNE' AND 'DHAMMA': A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF JUSTICE IN GREEK PHILOSOPHY AND RIGHTEOUSNESS IN BUDDHISM, AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO INCLUSIVITY AND HUMAN DIGNITY

Abstract

This study focuses on the comparison of how 'Dhamma' (righteousness) as articulated in Pali Canon core scriptures compares with the ancient Greek word 'Dikaiosyne' (justice) used by the philosopher Plato in his philosophical work 'The Republic'. The main goal is to assess how these two distinct ethical traditions facilitate and promote inclusivity and human dignity. It is evident that ethical behavior and social order is two interrelated phenomena, yet they have varying ranges and approaches. Dikaiosyne for Plato means the creation of a harmonious 'polis' through an ordered social system in which people know what their place is and properly performs their functions. Justice in this instance is deeply related to the maintenance of order within society and the proper function of the state. Yet, there is a limitation to the scope of inclusivity which is offered by this concept as it does not cover non-citizen women, slaves, and foreigners. Compared to that, Buddhism 'Dhamma' is centered on the personal striving free from suffering by means of ethical behavior, mental self-control, and universal compassion practices. The coverage of inclusivity in this principle is for all living beings because it is based on interdependence. This comparative study reiterates that 'Dhamma' provides a stronger framework for the treatment of human dignity because of compassion and the value of all living beings. This perspective acknowledges the role of an individual in a specified social order while 'Dhamma' accepts the possibility of the attainment of enlightenment by all beings, thus encouraging a culture of nonviolence. This research intends to bring to light the relevancy of these ancient ethical principles in matters such as social inequality, ecological degradation, and global conflict. The research finally claims that 'Dhamma' principles centered on compassion which define universal humanity gives more attention to creating a just and sympathetic world. This research seeks to narrow the already existing cultural and philosophical gaps in understanding, and in doing so, focus on the ethical norms that concern today's discourse on social justice and global ethics. Thus, this study demonstrates the relevance of ancient ethical principles to contemporary problems.