The universal law of right may then be expressed thus: "Act
externally in such a manner that the free exercise of thy will may
be able to coexist with the freedom of all others, according to a
universal law." This is undoubtedly a law which imposes obligation
upon me; but it does not at all imply and still less command that I
ought, merely on account of this obligation, to limit my freedom to
these very conditions. Reason in this connection says only that it
is restricted thus far by its idea, and may be likewise thus limited
in fact by others; and it lays this down as a postulate which is not
capable of further proof. As the object in view is not to teach
virtue, but to explain what right is, thus far the law of right, as
thus laid down, may not and should not be represented as a
motive-principle of action.
D. Right is Conjoined with the Title or Authority to Compel.
The resistance which is opposed to any hindrance of an effect is
in reality a furtherance of this effect and is in accordance with
its accomplishment. Now, everything that is wrong is a hindrance of
freedom, according to universal laws; and compulsion or constraint
of any kind is a hindrance or resistance made to freedom.
Consequently, if a certain exercise of freedom is itself a hindrance
of the freedom that is according to universal laws, it is wrong; and
the compulsion of constraint which is opposed to it is right, as being
a hindering of a hindrance of freedom, and as being in accord with the
freedom which exists in accordance with universal laws.
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