Difference between revisions of "Libertarians Misunderstand Property"
From Critiques Of Libertarianism
(Created page with 'Libertarians routinely assume modern property is natural, is absolute, is costless, should extend over all, and solves all problems. None of that is true. see "bundle of rights"…') |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
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. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Enforcement is ultimately backed by the state, else it is backed by warlordism, feudalism, or anarchy. | ||
| + | |||
| + | There is no just acquisition of property. There is only legitimated acquisition of property. | ||
| + | |||
| + | No form of property is universal: it varies widely from culture to culture, and often within cultures. Water rights are different between East and West in the USA, tideline ownership varies between Eastern US states. | ||
see "bundle of rights" in wikipedia, to see how the sphere resembles a swiss cheese. As we'd expect if there is an optimizing goal. | see "bundle of rights" in wikipedia, to see how the sphere resembles a swiss cheese. As we'd expect if there is an optimizing goal. | ||
| Line 45: | Line 53: | ||
Even individual wealth is a government construct: without coercive protection, nobody would be able to accumulate much wealth, and all would be much more equal (albeit very much poorer.) In general, libertarians want to overlook government action and (their term) coercion when it supports their preferences, and condemn it for others. | Even individual wealth is a government construct: without coercive protection, nobody would be able to accumulate much wealth, and all would be much more equal (albeit very much poorer.) In general, libertarians want to overlook government action and (their term) coercion when it supports their preferences, and condemn it for others. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Bodies are NEVER property (let alone absolute property) in any culture except in slavery. | ||
