Difference between revisions of "A Non-Libertarian FAQ"
From Critiques Of Libertarianism
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: There is no "true law". Innumerable political and religious sects might claim it, but I'd think that if there was such a thing, people could recognize it and agree on it. | : There is no "true law". Innumerable political and religious sects might claim it, but I'd think that if there was such a thing, people could recognize it and agree on it. | ||
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| + | ====John Stuart Mill==== | ||
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| + | ; "That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others." | ||
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| + | : This sentence, from the first chapter of his "On Liberty", seems rather final. But a mere two paragraphs later, he starts explaining at greater length traditional liberal duties: "There are also many positive acts for the benefit of others, which he may rightfully be compelled to perform; such as, to give evidence in a court of justice; to bear his fair share in the common defense, or in any other joint work necessary to the interest of the society of which he enjoys the protection; and to perform certain acts of individual beneficence, such as saving a fellow-creature's life, or interposing to protect the defenseless against ill-usage, things which whenever it is obviously a man's duty to do, he may rightfully be made responsible to society for not doing." Mill was obviously not a libertarian. | ||
====Unattributed==== | ====Unattributed==== | ||
