Single Idea 21064

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / a. Liberalism basics]

Full Idea

The civil state, regarded purely as a lawful state, is based on the following a priori principles. 1) the freedom of every member as a human being, 2) the equality of each as a subject, 3) the independence of each as a subject.

Gist of Idea

A lawful civil state must embody freedom, equality and independence for its members

Source

Immanuel Kant (True in Theory, but not in Practice [1792], 2 Intro)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Political Writings', ed/tr. Reiss,Hans [CUP 1996], p.74


A Reaction

Written in 1792, three years after the start of the French Revolution. He says that a state with an inbuilt hierarchy or aristocracy is unlawful. Which freedoms, equality in what respects, and independence from what?