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Single Idea 21099

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 3. Natural Values / b. Natural equality]

Full Idea

When we consider how nearly equal all men are in their bodily force, and even in their mental powers and faculties, till cultivated by education, ...then nothing but their own consent could at first associate them together, and subject them to authority.

Gist of Idea

People must have agreed to authority, because they are naturally equal, prior to education

Source

David Hume (Of the original contract [1741], p.276)

A Reaction

This doesn't sound very convincing. Some people are much better suited than others to training and education. Men vary enormously in size.

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'Selected Essays' [OUP 1996], p.276