more from this thinker | more from this text
Full Idea
Charles Taylor says the neutral [liberal] state undermines the sense of community which is required for citizens to accept the sacrifices demanded by the welfare state.
Gist of Idea
If the state is neutral, there won't be sufficient community to support a welfare state
Source
report of Charles Taylor (Atomism [1979]) by Will Kymlicka - Community 'legitimacy'
Book Ref
'A Companion to Contemporary Political Phil', ed/tr. Goodin,R.E/Pettit,Philip [Blackwell 1995], p.374
A Reaction
As someone who believes in the welfare state, I think this is correct. Extreme individualistic liberalism is incompatible with a welfare state. A liberal society needs institutions which draw free individuals into the community.
| 7226 | Benefits performed by individuals, not by government, help also to educate them [Mill] |
| 23417 | If the state is neutral, there won't be sufficient community to support a welfare state [Taylor,C, by Kymlicka] |
| 23378 | The welfare state helps to integrate the working classes into a national culture [Kymlicka] |
| 23083 | Liberal welfare focuses on need rather than desert [Kekes] |
| 22832 | Welfare is needed if citizens are to accept the obligations of a liberal state [Charvet] |