# Part II: Of Justice and Injustice explained — A Treatise of Human Nature

> Chapter companion for A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume.

## What happens

This chapter examines the origins and nature of justice and injustice, arguing that they are not natural virtues but artificial ones, arising from human conventions and the necessity of social cooperation. The text explores how the rules of justice are established through a shared sense of interest, and how property, right, and obligation are derived from these conventions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Artificial Virtues and Justice

The central theme of the chapter, arguing that justice is a human invention, not a natural instinct.

### Sympathy and Social Influence

The chapter discusses how a shared sense of interest and the need for social stability lead to the convention of justice.

## Character check-ins

### David Hume

The author and primary voice, presenting the argument that justice is an artificial virtue.

## Key lines

> Part II Of Justice and Injustice

This section is dedicated to exploring the concepts of justice and injustice.

_Opening title of the chapter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters/part-ii-of-justice-and-injustice
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_treatise_of_human_nature_se/chapters