Single Idea 21435

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 1. A People / a. Human distinctiveness]

Full Idea

Man is a being meant for society (though he is also an unsociable one).

Gist of Idea

Man is both social, and unsociable

Source

Immanuel Kant (Metaphysics of Morals II:Doctrine of Virtue [1797], 471 I.II)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Metaphysics of Morals', ed/tr. Gregor,Mary [CUP 1991], p.263


A Reaction

A striking contrast with Aristotle in Idea 5133. It is the difference between the communitarian and the liberal views of society. The latter values privacy and good fences.

Related Idea

Idea 5133 Man is by nature a social being [Aristotle]