Abstract

This article analyzes the concept of justice in the work of the medieval Turkic thinker Yusup Balasaguni — «Kutadgu Bilig» — from the perspective of philosophical methodologies. The study begins with a logical-semantic and linguistic-philosophical analysis of key terms, concepts, and character names, establishing the treatment of «justice» as a distinct concept and principle within the poem’s discourse. The nature and meaning of the discourse on justice and governance are explored, leading to the conclusion that the “progressive and virtuous idea” is central to the work. The paper highlights how the category of justice acquires political and social significance and how genetically rooted ethical concepts are reflected ontologically. It also systematizes logical arguments about the necessity of the rule of just law for social justice and the effective application of political technologies in state governance. Contemporary ethical and philosophical theories are employed in the analysis of the idea of justice presented in the poem. The paper further touches on epistemological views regarding justice and virtue, and discusses the discourses on ascetic lifestyle and the notion of living a balanced life.