Single Idea 21089

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / a. Autocracy]

Full Idea

A monarch has the highest power, while an autocrat or absolute ruler is one who has all the power.

Gist of Idea

Monarchs have the highest power; autocrats have complete power

Source

Immanuel Kant (Metaphysics of Morals I: Doctrine of Right [1797], §51)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Political Writings', ed/tr. Reiss,Hans [CUP 1996], p.161


A Reaction

If society is strictly hierarchical (like an army) then the monarch also has all the power. At the other extreme the one holding the highest power may have very little power, because so many others have their share of the power.