JUDGE
What to Judge?
To judge is to evaluate some situation or behaviour by some criteria or standard. In the words of Immanuel Kant, "Judgment is the application of the general to the particular." As David Hume famously pointed out, there are essentially two types of judgment, the one of fact (what is the case), and the other of value (what should or should not be the case). Confusion occurs if people try to "objectify" their value judgments. They're not.
Why to Judge?
Judgements of fact or value are essential for the well-being of individuals and institutions. But they become pernicious when they are “moralized” to convert every assessment into a choice between good or evil. This can lead to an infinite regress, because every claim to virtue has the potential be trumped by anyone else asserting that their judgment is in some sense superior. The real merit of a judgment consists of its implications and consequences.
When to Judge?
“Circumstances alter cases” – that line from J.M. Berry’s play The Admirable Creighton is actually a wise one for timing judgement. Since no one can see all of the consequences of one’s actions, procrastination probably occurs as readily as premature judgment. All that any of us can do is our best. Make judgments as the need arises, which is itself a judgment call. So, what is required is reflexivity, self-awareness of the gravity involved.
Whether to Judge?
“Judge not so ye shall not be judged” – that or something close to it is a quote from the King James’ Version of the Bible. Many people are knee-jerk moralizers, posing as authoritative sources of evaluation when they are neither authorized nor qualified for such a role. Such self-righteous behaviour is prompted by a pernicious combination of “the rights revolution” and a widespread psychopathology of resentment.
How to Judge?
State the criteria or standards clearly. Authenticate your bona fides. Evaluate the behaviour, NOT the person; assess the aspect of a situation under review, NOT extraneous circumstances. Temper justice with mercy. Find a remedy that rectifies the problem AND prevents or discourages its recurrence. Revenge is not recommended – neither is a super-hero complex; no one is authorized or entitled to right the wrongs of the world.
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