GUIDE TO THE PHILOSOPHY 1938 - 1947.pdf - Rare Books at ...

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CRITICISM OF IDEALIST THEORY 753
(V) That the Claims which the Theory Authorizes die
State to make upon the Individual are Unjustified
'
The difference between the group theory of society just
outlined and the idealist theory of the State is thrown into
relief by the answers which they respectively give to the
question, " What are the limits to the claims which the State
may justifiably make upon the individual? " The answer
of the idealist theory is unequivocal. "It is an error, I
think, resting on a confusion regarding the sphere of the
State/' writes Dr. Bosanquet, "to suggest that obedience
to it can conflict with the existence of loyalty to associations
... at home or abroad. The State's peculiar function
is in the world of external action, and it does not enquire
into the sentiments of men and women further than to
establish the bona fide intention which the law includes
in the meaning of the act. But whatever loyalties may
exist in the mind, the State will undoubtedly, when need
arises, of which it through constitutional methods is the
sole judge, prohibit and prevent the expression, in external
acts, of any loyalty but that to the community which it
represents.
State."
Absoluteness in this sense is inherent in the
It is here laid down that, when the conflict of claims
which is in question has to be decided in the field ofexternal
action, the State is in all cases entitled at its discretion to
overrule the claims of other associations and to enforce
obedience to its own; and furthermore, that it is, and
must . necessarily be, the State's nature so to do. The
whole-hearted enthusiasm with which fascist States have
carried into practice the principles of Dr. Bosanquct's
theory is common knowledge.
Now it is precisely the absoluteness of the claims which
totalitarian States make upon the individuals who compose
them that group theories of the State, taking their stand
upon the number and importance of the voluntary associations
to which the individual belongs, are disposed to
challenge. It must, they point out, be remembered that