common good

(20th century)

Theory of shared interests.

There exists a desirable end for governmental or public policy which is good for the whole society.

This 'common good' can be discovered by informed and reasoned thought, and though it may overlap with the good of particular groups or individuals, is different from and greater than the interest of any one of them.

Source:
Roger Scruton, A Dictionary of Political Thought (London, 1982)



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