Single Idea 21066

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / B. Equalities / 4. Economic equality]

Full Idea

Every member of the commonwealth must be entitled to reach any degree of rank which a subject can earn through his talent, his industry and his good fortune.

Gist of Idea

Citizens can rise to any rank that talent, effort and luck can achieve

Source

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

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Political Writings', ed/tr. Reiss,Hans [CUP 1996], p.75


A Reaction

This is equality of opportunity, which is a mantra for liberals, but has been subjected to good criticisms in modern times. The main question is whether there is formal and legal equality, or actual practical equality.