Equal Freedom and Unequal Property: A Critique of Nozick's Libertarian Case

In: Canadian journal of political science: CJPS = Revue canadienne de science politique, Band 25, Heft 4, S. 677-695

Abstract

AbstractRobert Nozick argues that inviolable capitalist property rights are a necessary corollary of the free society. This view is grounded in his commitment to the classical liberal principle of equal liberty. This article tests the internal coherence of Nozick's perspective with reference to the demands set by this principle. It is argued that his laissez-faire proposals cannot satisfy these demands. This prompts a consideration of the type of socio-economic arrangements that could respond to the dilemmas posed by the equal liberty principle, the suggestion being that a participatory democratic framework would promote a response superior to Nozick's.