Summa Theologica (1265-74) – Thomas Aquinas

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As a saying goes, no business is not making money; it only depends on how much benefits they get more than the victim thinks. Thus, I find that how the author rebuts is purely utopian; there is never “just” in nowadays, or in any centuries. Logically speaking, there is no specified “price label” on anything; it is just the value human perceives “it”.

Question 3:

Although the term “price” and “worth” are similar, they have slight difference. In economics, “worth” is more of a long-term concept. It stands for how further benefits a good or a service will bring to the buyer. On the other hand, “price” refers to the simple price label on a product; and the amount the buyer is paying for it. However, if it is the case of a chain store such as H&M or Zara; you are checked out by an employee at the cashier counter does not mean you are deceived by that person. Therefore, the term “unjust” is quite vague, and it is difficult to charge the person who actually lies to you about the price tag after excluding the actual cost of a shirt. In other words, if this is a small boutique, as a sole proprietor, the shop owner tends to set the price higher than he or she thinks. In the meantime, we will be speculating on the actual value, then bargain our way up to a pleasant price. If it is both agreed, the deal is dealt.

About the honesty the author was saying, if the buyer finds something at great extent of its utility, he will pay the seller something more than expectation; it does not have to be “actual” money, it can be loyalty and in terms of consideration for repurchase after the consumption of that product. To sum up, the “worthiness” can never be measured by “money”, like “justice”, there is no right or wrong answer.

References:

Aquinas, Thomas. "Question 77. Cheating, Which Is Committed in Buying and Selling." SUMMA THEOLOGICA: Cheating, Which Is Committed in Buying and Selling (Secunda Secundae Partis, Q. 77). N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Mar. 2016. .