Abstract propositions should never be discussed by a legislative body.
AbstractionCongressDebateLawLegislationPracticePragmatismTheory
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Buchanan argues that legislative bodies should avoid debating abstract theoretical ideas.
- In plain terms
- Laws should focus on practical matters, not abstract theories.
- What can you take from it?
- Legislation requires concrete issues rather than abstract debates.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Should lawmakers debate theory?
- What is the role of abstraction in law?
Another view
Abstract principles sometimes need to be discussed to guide laws.
More from James Buchanan
What is right and what is practicable are two different things.
Permalink to quote #9 I have no regret for any public act of my life, and history will vindicate my memory.
Permalink to quote #11 Liberty must be allowed to work out its natural results; and these will, ere long, astonish the world.
Permalink to quote #8
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