Libertarianism

Question 1

libertarianism

Answer 1

justice of the minimal state; “self-ownership”;
• I own myself and my labor, thus policies based on these rationale
are forms of institutionalized slavery and theft.
• Others also own themselves, so it is unjust for me to forcibly coerce
them for my benefit (or to allow others to do so).

Question 2

key ideas about a just society in libertarianism

Answer 2

freedom; policies and laws based on paternalism, moral legislation or redistribution of wealth are unjust because they violate “self-ownership”

Question 3

The minimal state

Answer 3

enforces contracts, protects private property from theft and keeps peace

Question 4

paternalism

Answer 4

the government acting as a parent to protect people from harming themselves
ex. seat belts, helmets

Question 5

moral legislation

Answer 5

using coercive force of law to promote notions of virtue or to express moral convictions of the majority
ex. prostitution or homosexuality

Question 6

redistribution of wealth

Answer 6

requiring wealthier others to help the “needy” through taxation
ex. redistributing Michael Jordan’s money through taxes

Question 7

examples of libertarianism

Answer 7

legalization of polygamy. should trans fats be illegal?, “free breast pump” with insurance premiums, selling kidneys, assisted suicide, consensual cannibalism

Question 8

role of government in libertarianism

Answer 8

No paternalism, moral legislation, or redistribution of wealth

Question 9

objections of libertarianism

Answer 9

taxation is not as bad as forced labor, the poor need the money more, Jordan owes debt to those who contribute to his success, Jordan consents to taxation by being a citizen, Jordan is lucky