Single Idea 23415

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

Full Idea

Communitarians rarely distinguish between collective activities and political activities. Shared participation aids intelligent decisions about the good life, but why should that be organised through the state, rather than by free individuals?

Gist of Idea

Participation aids the quest for the good life, but why should that be a state activity?

Source

Will Kymlicka (Community [1993], 'need')

Book Reference

'A Companion to Contemporary Political Phil', ed/tr. Goodin,R.E/Pettit,Philip [Blackwell 1995], p.373


A Reaction

Kylicka points out later that local groups can be very unintelligent or prejudiced. Modern media have changed that picture, because participation can be with geographically remote people.

Related Idea

Idea 23417 If the state is neutral, there won't be sufficient community to support a welfare state [Taylor,C, by Kymlicka]