Libertarianism from "summary" of A Theory of Justice, Revised Edition by John Rawls,Professor John Rawls
Libertarianism is a theory of justice that holds liberty as the primary political value. According to this view, individuals possess certain natural rights that are inviolable, and the role of the state is to protect these rights. Libertarians argue that individuals have the right to live their lives as they see fit, free from interference or coercion by others. This includes the right to property, which is seen as an extension of one's self-ownership. Proponents of libertarianism believe that individuals have the right to acquire and exchange property through voluntary transactions, and that the state should not interfere with these transactions except to enforce contracts and protect against force and fraud. In this view, taxation is seen as a form of coercion, as it involves taking property from individuals without their consent. Therefore, libertarians argue for minimal government intervention in economic and social affairs. Critics of libertarianism argue that this view neglects the role of the state in promoting equality and ensuring a basic level of well-being for all citizens. They point out that in a purely libertarian society, those who are less fortunate may be left without the resources they need to live a decent life. This raises questions about the just distribution of resources and the role of the state in addressing social and economic inequalities. Despite these criticisms, libertarianism remains a powerful and influential theory of justice that continues to shape political debates and policies. Its emphasis on individual liberty and limited government intervention appeals to those who value personal freedom and autonomy. However, the challenge for libertarians is to address the concerns about equality and social justice that are raised by their critics, and to develop a more nuanced and comprehensive theory of justice that can address these concerns while still upholding the principles of liberty and individual rights.
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