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Single Idea 21064

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / a. Liberalism basics ]

Full Idea

The civil state, regarded purely as a lawful state, is based on the following a priori principles. 1) the freedom of every member as a human being, 2) the equality of each as a subject, 3) the independence of each as a subject.

Gist of Idea

A lawful civil state must embody freedom, equality and independence for its members

Source

Immanuel Kant (True in Theory, but not in Practice [1792], 2 Intro)

Book Ref

Kant,Immanuel: 'Political Writings', ed/tr. Reiss,Hans [CUP 1996], p.74

A Reaction

Written in 1792, three years after the start of the French Revolution. He says that a state with an inbuilt hierarchy or aristocracy is unlawful. Which freedoms, equality in what respects, and independence from what?

The 14 ideas from 'True in Theory, but not in Practice'

21060 It can't be a duty to strive after the impossible [Kant]
21059 General rules of action also need a judgement about when to apply them [Kant]
21061 Duty does not aim at an end, but gives rise to universal happiness as aim of the will [Kant]
21062 The will's motive is the absolute law itself, and moral feeling is receptivity to law [Kant]
21063 Personal contracts are for some end, but a civil state contract involves a duty to share [Kant]
21064 A lawful civil state must embody freedom, equality and independence for its members [Kant]
21066 Citizens can rise to any rank that talent, effort and luck can achieve [Kant]
21065 You can't make a contract renouncing your right to make contracts! [Kant]
21067 A citizen must control his own life, and possess property or an important skill [Kant]
21068 There must be a unanimous contract that citizens accept majority decisions [Kant]
21069 A contract is theoretical, but it can guide rulers to make laws which the whole people will accept [Kant]
21070 A law is unjust if the whole people could not possibly agree to it [Kant]
21071 There can be no restraints on freedom if reason does not reveal some basic rights [Kant]
21072 The people (who have to fight) and not the head of state should declare a war [Kant]