Difference between revisions of "Libertarians Misunderstand Property"

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Libertarians routinely assume modern property is natural, is absolute, is costless, should extend over all, and solves all problems. None of that is true.
 
Libertarians routinely assume modern property is natural, is absolute, is costless, should extend over all, and solves all problems. None of that is true.
  
Modern, liberal property is a human creation: it is not natural.  Simpler forms of property are primordial, probably dating to combat over precambrian mates, food sources, and nest sites.
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Modern, liberal property is a human creation: it is not natural.  Simpler forms of property are primordial, mere temporary holdings, probably dating to combat over precambrian mates, food sources, and nest sites.
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Libertarian philosophers pretend that modern property predates government, when government creates modern property rights.  Nozick does this, for example.
  
 
How is property given? By restraining liberty; that is, by taking it away so far as necessary for the purpose. How is your house made yours? By debarring every one else from the liberty of entering it without your leave.  
 
How is property given? By restraining liberty; that is, by taking it away so far as necessary for the purpose. How is your house made yours? By debarring every one else from the liberty of entering it without your leave.  

Revision as of 13:55, 13 April 2014