Single Idea 22787

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 1. A People / c. A unified people]

Full Idea

While the family is the primary basis of the state, the estates are second. The latter are of special importance, because private persons, despite their selfishness, must have recourse to others.

Gist of Idea

The family is the first basis of the state, but estates are a necessary second

Source

Georg W.F.Hegel (Elements of the Philosophy of Right [1821], 201 add)

Book Reference

Hegel,Georg W.F.: 'Elements of the Philosophy of Right', ed/tr. Wood,Allen W. [CUP 1991], p.234


A Reaction

He mentions agriculture as an estate. The implication is that interactions between families requires state institutions, but in simpler societies families can obviously interact and help one another directly. He wants the state to be indispensable.