THE VALUE OF “JUSTICE” IN AUGUSTINE’S TEACHING AND ITS RELEVANCE TO THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY TODAY

Abstract

ABSTRACT Have you experienced injustice of any kind? Have you ever felt unjust in your actions? Justice is a moral virtue or a cardinal virtue which is concerned with “doing the right thing” “in the right way” and at “the right time”. So what are we up to in this article? People demand for what is their due and would not want to be denied. That which is demanded is exactly what justice is all about. The understanding of justice as a virtue to be lived and practiced is a thing scholars have discussed since ancient time in moral philosophy (Ethics) and moral theology (Christian Ethics). Grasping its true meaning and nature has not been easy. In this article, Augustine’s approach to the understanding of the concept of Justice will be examined and analysed. Nigerian society today is overwhelmed with so many issues of injustice. In the religious realm, the fundamental right of many people for worship is denied, in the political arena, it is not different as electoral right are often not respected. Politicians and many leaders live above the law and flout court summons. Insecurity is lacking, the people are experiencing injustice day after day as they are oppressed and marginalised. Thus, this article will bring to the fore the true notion of justice in Augustine teaching and evaluate the situation of justice in Nigeria.