Single Idea 22807

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 7. Communitarianism / b. Against communitarianism]

Full Idea

If communitarians are right that we are not free to choose, but rather that our values are determined by our community, the individualists say, then there is no reason to criticise the values of one's society.

Gist of Idea

If our values are given to us by society then we have no grounds to criticise them

Source

Avineri,S/De-Shalit,A (Intro to 'Communitarianism and Individualism' [1992], §5)

Book Reference

'Communitarianism and Individualism', ed/tr. Avineri,S. /de-Shalit,A. [OUP 1992], p.10


A Reaction

This is an obvious challenge, but if one's concept of community is a forum for free debate then it can be overcome. There is no avoiding the fact, though, that a good community always needs a high degree of consensus.

Related Idea

Idea 22815 If freedom depends on society and culture, the greatest freedom is in shaping them [Taylor,C]