more on this theme     |     more from this thinker


Single Idea 21407

[filed under theme 25. Social Practice / B. Equalities / 3. Legal equality ]

Full Idea

Our innate equality is independence from being bound by others to more than one can in turn bind them.

Gist of Idea

Equality is not being bound in ways you cannot bind others

Source

Immanuel Kant (Metaphysics of Morals I: Doctrine of Right [1797], Div B)

Book Ref

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Metaphysics of Morals', ed/tr. Gregor,Mary [CUP 1991], p.63


A Reaction

This doesn't seem to capture the whole concept. The two of us may be unequally oppressed by a third. We are unequal with the third, but also with one another, though with no binding relationships.


The 13 ideas from 'Metaphysics of Morals I: Doctrine of Right'

Equality is not being bound in ways you cannot bind others [Kant]
Actions are right if the maxim respects universal mutual freedoms [Kant]
We are equipped with the a priori intuitions needed for the concept of right [Kant]
Because there is only one human reason, there can only be one true philosophy from principles [Kant]
A power-based state of nature may not be unjust, but there is no justice without competent judges [Kant]
Women have no role in politics [Kant]
In the contract people lose their rights, but immediately regain them, in the new commonwealth [Kant]
The church has a political role, by offering a supreme power over people [Kant]
Hereditary nobility has not been earned, and probably won't be earned [Kant]
Human life is pointless without justice [Kant]
Justice asserts the death penalty for murder, from a priori laws [Kant]
Monarchs have the highest power; autocrats have complete power [Kant]
If someone has largely made something, then they own it [Kant]