Since this is a brand new blog, what better place to start than with First Principles.
What are the most basic principles upon which to found a society? Some may say the government, or it’s constitution. Others may say the principles of their religion. Yet others may say the Law. Are these truly the basics? Let us look.
The Government/Constitution
It is given that a government is founded upon a document that states the principle powers of that government. In the West, we state that the Constitution of that government is the Law and foundation of a society. What is a constitution, but a document drafted by a group of individuals with claim to be the representatives of all the people?
How is it possible that this group can claim to represent all the people? Were they chosen by everyone in their district? No. They were chosen by a portion of that district: the registered voters. In 18th century America, that was the male landowner. Hardly everyone. This is the case in all societies that have a constitutional form of government. So this clearly cannot be the most basic.
Theocracy
Theocracy is such a harsh sounding word. Especially with nations like Iran in the world. In truth, it is nothing more than the religious leadership guiding, or being the societal leadership, whether in government or in mutual social contract.
Sounds great, unless you are not a follower of that religion.
Without focusing on the correctness of any one religious creed, it is not possible to have all people agree to anyone religious system being the foundation to a large society. A small community maybe, but a nation as large as say the United States? No. The resulting society would require the forced obedience of those not in alignment with the ruling religion. Definitely not the basic needed to guide a society.
The Law
What is the Law? Stated plainly, it is those governing principles that guide a society. They may be codified or commonly held. They are common, meaning they are equally applied to all in a society. The Law is moral, meaning it does not violate those principles of liberty that make up a society.
The problem is that many laws are added to the body of the Law that are flawed in their approach. Many laws are written to benefit a certain group or an individual. These laws can be held to be immoral because that cannot be equally applied. So what are the most basic laws and how are they defined as such?
First Principles
The first principles of a society much recognize the equality of individuals. Not that they are equally capable in all things, but that they are equal in life, freedom, and opportunity to live. The American Declaration of Independence declares these to be “God given” inalienable Rights. This means they are not assigned by a group or one person to all and they cannot morally be abridged by anyone. These Rights are inherent to the individual and must not be violated. Frequently sited examples of these are the Rights to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness (originally listed as property). Modern philosophers refer to the Rights to Life, Liberty, and Property.
Additionally, individuals living within a society should live in such a way that another’s freedom to live is not violated, and should not engage in aggressive acts to get what they want. This principle is often referred to as the “Non-Aggression Principle.” Simply put, it means that it is immoral to force another to do something against their will. No one person should aggress against another or threaten another with force or fraud.
Think about what this means. This simple set of first principles covers everyone equally. There is no reason for inequality in the law, either civilly or theocratically. The combination of the NAP and the principle of inalienable, individual rights are the first principles of a truly free society.
Recent Comments