Single Idea 21075

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 1. A People / b. The natural life]

Full Idea

The state of nature is a state of war. For even if it does not involve active hostilities, it involves a constant threat of their breaking out.

Gist of Idea

The state of nature always involves the threat of war

Source

Immanuel Kant (Perpetual Peace [1795], 2)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Political Writings', ed/tr. Reiss,Hans [CUP 1996], p.98


A Reaction

Kant is siding with Hobbes against Rousseau, despite Rousseau's claim that Hobbes's pessimism concerns a more advanced situation that the true (and peaceful) state of nature.