Single Idea 22803

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / g. Liberalism critique]

Full Idea

How can an individualist theory justify an obligation to fight for the state in the case of war?

Gist of Idea

Can individualist theories justify an obligation to fight in a war?

Source

Avineri,S/De-Shalit,A (Intro to 'Communitarianism and Individualism' [1992], §4)

Book Reference

'Communitarianism and Individualism', ed/tr. Avineri,S. /de-Shalit,A. [OUP 1992], p.6


A Reaction

The most dramatic example of obliging citizens to contribute to the state, the notable other case being taxes. Some imagined ancient 'social contract' doesn't seem sufficient for later generations. Does being naturally sociable create such obligations?