Single Idea 7247

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 1. Purpose of a State]

Full Idea

The greatest good of all, which ought to be the goal of every system of law, comes down to two main objects, freedom and equality.

Gist of Idea

The greatest social good comes down to freedom and equality

Source

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], II.11)

Book Reference

Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.170


A Reaction

He goes on the specify the nature of the equality (Idea 7248). A rival pair of goods might be security and opportunity. On balance, I think I prefer my pair to Rousseau's.

Related Idea

Idea 7248 No citizen should be rich enough to buy another, and none so poor as forced to sell himself [Rousseau]