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Full Idea
It is precisely the general will as it is given a priori, within a single people or in the mutual relationships of various peoples, which alone determines what is right among men.
Gist of Idea
The a priori general will of a people shows what is right
Source
Immanuel Kant (Perpetual Peace [1795], App 1)
Book Ref
Kant,Immanuel: 'Political Writings', ed/tr. Reiss,Hans [CUP 1996], p.123
A Reaction
The clearest quotation for showing Kant's debt to Rousseau. Why should Rousseau bother to have a real assembly of the people, if the General Will can be worked out a priori? Indeed, the a priori version must be deemed superior to any meeting.
| 20569 | Kant made the social contract international and cosmopolitan [Kant, by Oksala] |
| 21073 | Hiring soldiers is to use them as instruments, ignoring their personal rights [Kant] |
| 21074 | Some trust in the enemy is needed during wartime, or peace would be impossible [Kant] |
| 21075 | The state of nature always involves the threat of war [Kant] |
| 21076 | Equality is where you cannot impose a legal obligation you yourself wouldn't endure [Kant] |
| 21077 | Each nation should, from self-interest, join an international security constitution [Kant] |
| 21078 | A constitution must always be improved when necessary [Kant] |
| 21079 | The a priori general will of a people shows what is right [Kant] |
| 20570 | There is now a growing universal community, and violations of rights are felt everywhere [Kant] |
| 20571 | There are political and inter-national rights, but also universal cosmopolitan rights [Kant] |