The Importance of Commutative Justice
A Smithian lesson from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
Adam Smith noted that, while beneficence is “the ornament which embellishes, [it is] not the foundation which supports” society. While beneficence improves the condition of the building, “Justice…is the main pillar that upholds the whole edifice.”1 A fundamental part of commutative justice is not hurting people and not taking their stuff, even (read: especially) if you do not like them.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners makes this point in episode 2 when David confronts Lucy for stealing from him and the rather unsympathetic Arasaka corporate employees. To see how, check out my latest Short for the Foundation for Economic Education, co-written with Matt Tabor and Abby Richardson: Stealing from Walmart is… Still Stealing.
The Theory of Moral Sentiments, II.i.3.