epikeia

1 9.9

A way of applying a law with fairness and kindness instead of following it exactly

noun
/ˌɛpɪˈkeɪə/

Formal

: epikeia

In difficult situations, epikeia helps us balance the letter of the law with fairness.

Examples

The principle of epikeia allows judges to consider the intent behind the law when making decisions.
The teacher emphasized that applying epikeia means showing compassion to students with unique needs.
In writing about the possibility of the future of humanity, Virt also takes up the virtue of humility, as well as the forgotten virtues of epikeia and truthfulness.

Academic text (2008)

Synonyms

fairness

vsepikeia

196 1.9

Treating people equally and without bias

focuses on flexible, compassionate law application rather than strict unbiased rules

equity

vsepikeia

Formal

35 5.3

Fair and equal treatment of people, for example at work or school

applies rules with flexibility and compassion rather than strict literalism

equality and fairness

vsepikeia

1 3.3

People have the same rights and chances

centers on flexible, compassionate bending of rules rather than identical treatment

equitability

vsepikeia

Formal

1 7.2

Being fair and not taking sides

prefers flexible, compassionate rule application rather than only impartial treatment

equitableness

vsepikeia

Formal

7.4

Fair and equal treatment of people when making decisions

emphasizes applying rules with flexibility and compassion rather than mere impartiality

How Flexible

leniency

26 4.6

epikeia

Formal

1 9.9

strictness

2 3.4

rigidity

7 7.0

Surface Forms

epikeia singular

epikeias plural

Etymology

Epikeia comes from an old Greek word that meant 'reasonableness' or 'fairness', made from epi- ('on' or 'in addition') and a root meaning 'fitting' or 'appropriate'. So, epikeia is the idea of adding fairness and flexibility on top of a strict law to reach a just outcome.