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Single Idea 21068

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 2. State Legitimacy / c. Social contract]

Full Idea

The actual principle of being content with majority decisions must be accepted unanimously and embodied in a contract, and this itself must be the ultimate basis on which a civil constitution is established.

Gist of Idea

There must be a unanimous contract that citizens accept majority decisions

Source

Immanuel Kant (True in Theory, but not in Practice [1792], 2-3)

A Reaction

This is the contract which combines a social contract with democracy. We unanimously agree not to be unanimous? Cf Idea 21065. What should the minority do when the majority elect criminal Nazi leaders?

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Political Writings', ed/tr. Reiss,Hans [CUP 1996], p.79

Related Idea

Idea 21065 You can't make a contract renouncing your right to make contracts! [Kant]