UK A-Levels Politics Practice Exam

Communitarianism emphasizes the responsibility of the individual towards which entity?

1. The state

2. The community

3. The economy

4. The individual

The correct answer is: The community

Communitarianism emphasizes the responsibility of the individual towards the community. This philosophical perspective argues that individuals are not isolated beings but are deeply embedded in their social contexts, which include families, neighborhoods, and broader societal structures. Communitarians believe that the well-being of individuals is closely linked to the health of their communities; therefore, individuals have a moral obligation to contribute to and care for the community. This focus on community highlights the importance of social bonds, collective identity, and shared values in achieving both individual fulfillment and the common good. In contrast, the state, economy, and individual are less central to communitarian thought; while the state may have a role in supporting community values, communitarianism primarily seeks to promote obligations and connections that foster communal life. The economy, typically a more individualistic focus, does not capture the essence of responsibility that communitarians advocate towards the community. Lastly, while individualism is acknowledged in the framework of communitarianism, it is viewed as interdependent with collective responsibilities rather than as a standalone priority. Thus, community stands as the focal point for individual responsibility within communitarian thought.