Notwithstanding this antithesis, however, both schools meet in their common basic dogma: just ends can be attained by justified means, justified means for just ends. Natural law attempts, by the justness of the ends, to ‘justify’ the means, postive law to ‘guarantee’ the justness of the ends through the justification of the means. This antinomy would prove insoluble if the common dogmatic assumption were false, if justified means on the one hand and just ends on the other were in irreconcilable conflict

yes, it’s purposefully circular (is that the right word for this), but to be honest, this essay is among Benjamin’s most brilliant.

awesomest rating: 8