Single Idea 3732

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 3. Natural Values / c. Natural rights]

Full Idea

A violator of the rights of man intends to use the person of others merely as a means, not considering that they should be used only as beings who must themselves be able to share in the end of the very same action.

Gist of Idea

Rational beings have a right to share in the end of an action, not just be part of the means

Source

Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals [1785], 430.68)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Moral Law (Groundwork of Morals)', ed/tr. Paton,H.J. [Hutchinson 1948], p.92