Surely what we have to do is to see society both as a whole. And as a
whole divided against itself. It is somewhat idealistic to see the whole
and not to see the parts. The term "civil society" in my understanding
refers to a society in which the distinction between public and private
can be made. A society which has a state but in which the state is not
all. The public and private both oppose and complement each other.
However current use of the term "civil society" in liberal circles,
seems to indicate the expansion of the private sphere at the expense of
the public. Private institutions like the church, various charities and
social agencies would take over some of the social function of the
state.
Rod Hay
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Tom Walker wrote:
>Henry Carter Adams ("The State and Industrial Action," 1887):
>
>"It is futile to expect sound principles for the guidance of intricate
>legislation so long as we over-estimate either public or private
duties; the
>true principle must recognize society as a unity, subject only to the
laws
>of its own development."
>
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