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)

Book Reference

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


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?

Related Idea

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