Agents Quote by Noam Chomsky
“States are not moral agents.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: “The Role of the State,” 1995
He asserts that states act as instruments, not moral decision‑makers.
In simple terms: States are tools, not moral beings.
Key Takeaway
Evaluate policies, not state morality.
Themes
politics
morality
state power
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public policy debates
- citizen activism
- academic research
Key Concepts
political theory
ethics
policy analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- Who holds moral responsibility?
- Can states act ethically?
A Different Perspective
Moral agency may still reside in individuals within the state.
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