Book Review: The Science of Right

 The Science of Right by Immanuel Kant is an interesting work. It starts with a definition - right is a voluntary action by one that can harmonize with the voluntary actions by every other one. Author then goes on to discuss its elements, like living rightly, doing harm to no one, and assigning to all what is theirs. Further divisions are also introduced, like natural right, acquired right, or that for a good name after death. The next part of the book deals with the rights of a state along with its duties.
I liked the presentation of the idea of constitution, where, the best one is that in which not men but laws exercise the power. It is an exhaustive discussion too, which addresses almost all the issues, a state might have to face. Like, how to deal with a gift, what to do in case of theft, or where is public right. And it introduces the executive, legislature, and judiciary as the different arms of a state to do all of these. While mentioning the need for changes, the book warns about making only a gradual reform and in accordance with fixed principles, if there should be perpetual peace.