Full Idea
If realising our freedom partly depends on the society and culture in which we live, then we exercise a fuller freedom if we can help determine the shape of this society and culture.
Gist of Idea
If freedom depends on society and culture, the greatest freedom is in shaping them
Source
Charles Taylor (Atomism [1979], p.47)
Book Reference
'Communitarianism and Individualism', ed/tr. Avineri,S. /de-Shalit,A. [OUP 1992], p.47
A Reaction
This is clearly in response to the critics of communitarianism who say that it is too conservative, because your values are created for you, by your community.
Related Idea
Idea 22807 If our values are given to us by society then we have no grounds to criticise them [Avineri/De-Shalit]