Single Idea 21056

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / d. Liberal freedom]

Full Idea

If the citizen is deterred from seeking his personal welfare in any way he chooses which is consistent with the freedom of others, the vitality of business in general and hence also the strength of the whole are held in check.

Gist of Idea

The vitality of business needs maximum freedom (while avoiding harm to others)

Source

Immanuel Kant (Idea for a Universal History [1784], 8th)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Political Writings', ed/tr. Reiss,Hans [CUP 1996], p.50


A Reaction

This is a rather American view of liberalism. Kant has been praising the virtues of aggressive competition.