Combining Texts

Ideas for 'fragments/reports', 'Atomism' and 'Enquiry concerning Principles of Morals'

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2 ideas

24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 1. Purpose of a State
3921 The safety of the people is the supreme law [Hume]
     Full Idea: The safety of the people is the supreme law.
     From: David Hume (Enquiry concerning Principles of Morals [1751], III.II.157)
     A reaction: No political system ever seems able to disagree with this.
24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 2. State Legitimacy / c. Social contract
22809 The social contract sees society as constituted by and for individuals [Taylor,C]
     Full Idea: The social contract theory …has a vision of society as in some sense constituted by individuals for the fulfilment of ends which are primarily individual.
     From: Charles Taylor (Atomism [1979], p.29)
     A reaction: It seems to be initiated by individuals who are only motivated by what is in it for them. This presumes self-sufficient adults, rather than children, or parents with children, or dependent people. The epitome of liberalism, perhaps.