Single Idea 19943

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 1. Purpose of a State]

Full Idea

It is the purpose of the state ...to allow people's minds and bodies to develop in their own way in security and enjoy the free use of reason ...Therefore the true purpose of the state is in fact freedom.

Gist of Idea

The state aims to allow personal development, so its main purpose is freedom

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (Tractatus Theologico-Politicus [1670], 20.06)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Theological-Political Treatise', ed/tr. Israel,Jonathan [CUP 2007], p.252


A Reaction

The core of Spinoza's political thinking. This strikes me as being as close to communitarianism as to liberalism.