Difference between revisions of "What Is Property?"
From Critiques Of Libertarianism
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Every thief in the world wishes life was that simple: take somebody's stuff and PRESTO it is your property. | Every thief in the world wishes life was that simple: take somebody's stuff and PRESTO it is your property. | ||
| − | Possession is a factual state of exercising control over an object, whether owning the object or not. If an individual picks up an object, makes something or homesteads some land, there is mere possession (physical control), often called holding. There is no reason anybody else can't take that posession, either peacefully (picking up an object left alone) or violently (threatening or physically overpowering the former posessor) or illegally and make it their own possession. In addition, it is VERY common for people to be in possession of the property of others. For example, I possess a tool that I borrow, but I do not own it. | + | Possession (AKA holding) is a factual state of exercising control over an object, whether owning the object or not. If an individual picks up an object, makes something or homesteads some land, there is mere possession (physical control), often called holding. There is no reason anybody else can't take that posession, either peacefully (picking up an object left alone) or violently (threatening or physically overpowering the former posessor) or illegally and make it their own possession. In addition, it is VERY common for people to be in possession of the property of others. For example, I possess a tool that I borrow, but I do not own it. |
So claims and possession are not enough to establish property. | So claims and possession are not enough to establish property. | ||
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There are "natural" rules to possession as well. Here is an incomplete list: | There are "natural" rules to possession as well. Here is an incomplete list: | ||
| − | # You can acquire possession of something by finding it, by taking it from somebody, or if it is uncontested. | + | # You can acquire possession of something by finding it, by taking it from somebody, if it is given, or if it is uncontested. |
# You keep what you possess if you can defend it. | # You keep what you possess if you can defend it. | ||
# Stronger parties get to take your possession and make it their own. | # Stronger parties get to take your possession and make it their own. | ||
