Single Idea 7977

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / b. Liberal individualism]

Full Idea

Individuality is a recent phenomenon. It is only over the last two centuries that the populations of the civilized countries have demanded the democratic privilege of being individuals.

Gist of Idea

Only in the last 200 years have people demanded the democratic privilege of being individuals

Source

Jean Baudrillard (The Intelligence of Evil [2004], p. 55)

Book Reference

Baudrillard,Jean: 'The Intelligence of Evil or The Lucidity Pact' [Berg 2005], p.55


A Reaction

I think Aristotle's ethics and politics imply individuality, given that the only purpose of civic society seems to be to enable individuals to flourish and lead virtuous lives. Society is justified, for example, because it makes friendship possible.