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Single Idea 20569

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 2. State Legitimacy / c. Social contract ]

Full Idea

Kant developed the social contract theory into an international and cosmopolitan idea.

Gist of Idea

Kant made the social contract international and cosmopolitan

Source

report of Immanuel Kant (Perpetual Peace [1795]) by Johanna Oksala - Political Philosophy: all that matters Ch.6

Book Ref

Oksala,Johanna: 'Political Philosophy' [Hodder and Stoughton 2013], p.73


A Reaction

That is, the contract both operates between states, and rises above them. I found this idea rather thrilling when I first met it (listening to Onora O'Neill). But then I remain a child of the Englightenment.


The 10 ideas from 'Perpetual Peace'

Kant made the social contract international and cosmopolitan [Kant, by Oksala]
Hiring soldiers is to use them as instruments, ignoring their personal rights [Kant]
Some trust in the enemy is needed during wartime, or peace would be impossible [Kant]
The state of nature always involves the threat of war [Kant]
Equality is where you cannot impose a legal obligation you yourself wouldn't endure [Kant]
Each nation should, from self-interest, join an international security constitution [Kant]
A constitution must always be improved when necessary [Kant]
The a priori general will of a people shows what is right [Kant]
There is now a growing universal community, and violations of rights are felt everywhere [Kant]
There are political and inter-national rights, but also universal cosmopolitan rights [Kant]