Single Idea 22783

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / C. Rights / 1. Basis of Rights]

Full Idea

A human being has rights in so far as he has duties, and duties in so far as he has rights.

Gist of Idea

Rights imply duties, and duties imply rights

Source

Georg W.F.Hegel (Elements of the Philosophy of Right [1821], 155)

Book Reference

Hegel,Georg W.F.: 'Elements of the Philosophy of Right', ed/tr. Wood,Allen W. [CUP 1991], p.197


A Reaction

I would express this as 'why we should we be loyal to the state if the state is not loyal to us'. The state must not only provide us with nominal rights, but must also enforce them. Without that the citizens are alienated, and the sense of duty fades.