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Full Idea
If communitarians are right that we are not free to choose, but rather that our values are determined by our community, the individualists say, then there is no reason to criticise the values of one's society.
Gist of Idea
If our values are given to us by society then we have no grounds to criticise them
Source
Avineri,S/De-Shalit,A (Intro to 'Communitarianism and Individualism' [1992], §5)
Book Ref
'Communitarianism and Individualism', ed/tr. Avineri,S. /de-Shalit,A. [OUP 1992], p.10
A Reaction
This is an obvious challenge, but if one's concept of community is a forum for free debate then it can be overcome. There is no avoiding the fact, though, that a good community always needs a high degree of consensus.
Related Idea
Idea 22815 If freedom depends on society and culture, the greatest freedom is in shaping them [Taylor,C]
| 22803 | Can individualist theories justify an obligation to fight in a war? [Avineri/De-Shalit] |
| 22804 | Autonomy is better achieved within a community [Avineri/De-Shalit] |
| 22806 | Communitarians avoid oppression for the common good, by means of small mediating communities [Avineri/De-Shalit] |
| 22807 | If our values are given to us by society then we have no grounds to criticise them [Avineri/De-Shalit] |
| 22808 | Liberalism is minimal government, or individual rights, or equality [Avineri/De-Shalit] |