Ancient ideals ...

An ideal morality versus imperfect law codes

Are justice and wellness of the Sumerian Law Code ideals, like transcendentals?

Gemini-Bard's reply:

Justice and Wellness in the Sumerian Law Code and Transcendentals

Now that we've established the Code of Ur-Nammu as the oldest surviving law code and its focus on duties and well-being, let's delve into justice and wellness as potential transcendentals in this context.

Here's a breakdown:

Transcendental: In philosophy, transcendentals are universal and unchanging concepts that apply across all situations. Examples include truth, goodness, and beauty.

Can Justice and Wellness be Transcendentals in the Sumerian Law Code?

Arguments for:

Universality: Concepts of fairness, order, and individual well-being are often considered fundamental human desires. The Code of Ur-Nammu, striving for social harmony and individual prosperity, can be seen as an attempt to establish these universal desires in a specific context.
Timelessness: While specific laws might change, the core idea of justice and social well-being remains relevant across cultures and time periods. The Code of Ur-Nammu, as one of the earliest known attempts to codify these concepts, offers a historical perspective on their enduring importance.

Arguments against:

Cultural Specificity: The Code of Ur-Nammu reflects the specific social structure and values of Sumerian society. What constitutes "justice" or "wellness" might be different in other cultures.
Historical Context: The concept of transcendentals implies a timeless truth. However, ideas of justice and well-being have evolved throughout history. What might have been considered "just" in Sumerian society may not be considered as such today.

Finding a Middle Ground:

Perhaps it's more accurate to view justice and wellness in the Sumerian Law Code as early expressions of universal concepts rather than pure transcendentals. These concepts were shaped by a specific time and place, yet they laid the groundwork for ongoing discussions about justice and well-being in human societies.