Elements of Morals / With Special Application of the Moral Law to the Duties of the Individual and of Society and the State

by Paul Janet

Three groups of societies among men: Humanity, the family, the country, or the State.

Analysis of patriotism.

Foundation of the State.—Law and rights. Public authority: distinction between society and the State. The three powers. Sovereignty. The right of punishment.

Duties toward the State: 1. Obedience to the laws.—The Crito of Plato. Pretended exceptions to this principle. Criticising the laws is not disobedience.

2. Respect to magistrates.—The magistrates being the representatives of the laws, to respect them is to respect the law itself; to insult them is to insult the law.

3. The ballot.—Obligation to vote. The character of the ballot: 1, disinterested; 2, free; 3, enlightened.

4. Taxes.—Immorality of frauds against the State.

5. Military service.—Legal and moral obligation. Attempts to escape it: 1, by mutilations; 2, by simulated infirmities; 3, by desertion; want of discipline.

6. Educational obligation.

Civil courage.—Noted example: Boissy d’Anglas.