Reading test - Libertarianism

Question 1

Michael Jordan’s Money

Answer 1

• Nozick uses Michael Jordan to illustrate his argument that economic inequality that arises from voluntary transactions (ex. fans coming to see Jordan play) should not be interfered with, even if Jordan ends up with a disproportionate amount of wealth compared to others
• the fact that it was earned through voluntary exchange means it is just
• argues that intervening in the market (ex. taxing jordans earnings) violates individual liberty and self-ownership
• according to nozick, taxation of earnings is essentially the same as forced labor
• the core principle of libertarianism is self-ownership, the government should not interfere w/ voluntary exchange
• you chose to go watch the game, so the wealth inequality is justified

Question 2

Do we own ourselves? (objection 1-5)

Answer 2

Objection 1: Taxation is not as bad as forced labor

Reply: even if taxation allows for some freedom (ex. working less to pay less tax) the real issue is why the state should force you to make that choice, similar to if a thief gives you the option to lose either TV or cash, both are wrong, regardless of victims choice

Objection 2: The poor need the money more

Reply: this is a reason to persuade the rich to voluntarily help the poor, not to force them. stealing from the rich for redistribution is still stealing, even if done by the state (ex. someone needing my kidney doesn’t mean they have the right to take it)

Objection 3: Jordan owes a debt to those who helped his success

Reply: although jordans success depends on many people (ex. teammates, coaches) they have already been paid for their services. he has already compensated those who helped him

Objection 4: Jordan has consented to taxes as a democratic citizen

Reply: democratic consent alone isn’t enough, if jordan voted against the tax law, but it still passed, it wouldn’t justify forced payment. allowing majority to take away property and liberty undermines individual rights

Objection 5: Jordan is lucky to have his talent and live in a society that rewards it

Reply: if jordan doesn’t own his talents, it questions whether he owns himself. Libertarians believe in self-ownership

In conclusion, nozicks libertarian view of self ownership highlight significant tensions between individual rights & collective responsibility. While Self ownership champions personal freedom, it raises the important moral question about whether this right is absolute

Question 3

Assisted Suicide

Answer 3

• libertarian argument for assisted suicide is that laws banning assisted suicide are unjust because individuals should have the right to make decisions about their own lives
• this argument is based on the self-ownership principle, that suggests that if a person owns their life, they should be free to do with it as they wish
• libertarianism emphasizes individual liberty, private property and minimal government interference, in this instance, the government should not interfere with voluntary personal choices that do not harm others
• the compassionate argument is that many who support assisted suicide do so not on the basis of self-ownership but because they believe that terminally ill patients suffering greatly should have the right to hasten their deaths

Question 4

Consensual Cannibalism

Answer 4

• libertarianism argues that if individuals own their bodies and lives, they should be free to make decisions about what to do with them
• in this case, allowing themselves to be killed and eaten by another person
• in this instant, under libertarian principles, cannibalism should be seen as a voluntary exchange of actions between two self owning individuals
• the case highlights the conflict between individual rights (libertarian philosophy) and societal concerns about limits of personal freedom