Difference between revisions of "Non-Aggression"
From Critiques Of Libertarianism
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[[Category:Coercion|100]] | [[Category:Coercion|100]] | ||
[[Category:Philosophy]] | [[Category:Philosophy]] | ||
| − | {{DES | des = The "non-aggression axiom" , also known as non-coercion, is one of the most widely repeated bits of libertarian propaganda. It simply means "we want to coerce you to live by our rules whether you like it or not." "Steal my candy bar? Then you must die!" It is an incoherent piece of rhetoric.| show=}} | + | {{DES | des = The "non-aggression axiom" , also known as non-coercion and NAP, is one of the most widely repeated bits of libertarian propaganda. It simply means "we want to coerce you to live by our rules whether you like it or not." "Steal my candy bar? Then you must die!" It is an incoherent piece of rhetoric. And just how is a libertarian compelled to adopt the NAP? Without such an explanation, claiming the NAP would be followed or is a feature of libertarianism is bullshit.| show=}} |
The "non-aggression axiom" specifically exempts use of force to punish or deter violators of rights claims, calling it "retaliatory". In other words, they say it's not coercive only because they are in favor of it. Sorry, aiming guns at people is coercive no matter what your justification. | The "non-aggression axiom" specifically exempts use of force to punish or deter violators of rights claims, calling it "retaliatory". In other words, they say it's not coercive only because they are in favor of it. Sorry, aiming guns at people is coercive no matter what your justification. | ||
The "non-aggression axiom" is also a glib way of ignoring problems of [[risk]] and [[externalities]]. | The "non-aggression axiom" is also a glib way of ignoring problems of [[risk]] and [[externalities]]. | ||
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| + | The NAP is sometimes presented as: "Don’t hit people, don’t take their stuff. The basic rule of all civilized societies." That may work for Sesame Street, but falls apart as soon as you consider "retaliatory force" and begin to ask why it is their stuff. The whole basic principle of private property in "civilized societies" is "we have stolen this stuff from the commons and will hit you if you disagree." | ||
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