more from Michael Walzer

Single Idea 23568

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / C. Rights / 1. Basis of Rights]

Full Idea

If states possess rights more or less as individuals do, then it is possible to imagine a society among them more or less like the individuals.

Gist of Idea

If whole states possess rights, there can be social relations between states

Source

Michael Walzer (Just and Unjust Wars [1977], 04)

Book Reference

Walzer,Michael: 'Just and Unjust Wars' [Penguin 1984], p.58


A Reaction

The state's rights must derive from the people. Plots of land don't have rights. In some states the people are in conflict. It can't just be the government which represents the rights of the state.