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Single Idea 21076

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

Full Idea

Rightful equality within a state is a relationship among citizens where no-one can put anyone else under a legal obligation without submitting simultaneously to a law which requires that he can be put under the same kind of obligation by the other person.

Gist of Idea

Equality is where you cannot impose a legal obligation you yourself wouldn't endure

Source

Immanuel Kant (Perpetual Peace [1795], 2.1st n)

A Reaction

This appears only to be legal equality, rather than political or economic or social equality.

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Political Writings', ed/tr. Reiss,Hans [CUP 1996], p.99