Episode 129. Property Rights and the Will to Own

Show Notes

Episode 129. Property Rights and the Will to Own

This episode discusses the concept of self-ownership as the foundational principle of libertarianism. The article by Wanjiru Njoya explores the nature of property rights and the will to own. It contrasts the Benthamite view that property rights are created by the state with the argument that property rights are an expression of the human will. The importance of self-ownership is emphasized, as it serves as a barrier against state control and promotes individual liberty. The article concludes by highlighting the need to consider self-ownership when assessing political action and the potential infringement on property rights.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:31 The Primacy of Self-Ownership

08:29 Law, Rights, and the Will to Own

09:59 The State as a Threat to Property Rights

11:33 Conclusion

Resources

Property Rights and the Will to Own | Mises Institute

https://mises.org/mises-wire/property-rights-and-will-own

Wanjiru Njoya

https://mises.org/profile/wanjiru-njoya

Wanjiru Njoya (@WanjiruNjoya) / X

https://x.com/WanjiruNjoya

Episode 2. Why Freedom? – The Forge of Freedom

https://forgeoffreedom.com/2023/05/09/episode-2-why-freedom/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cfpPSrcIHA

Episode 4. Theory of Property – The Forge of Freedom

https://forgeoffreedom.com/2023/05/09/episode-4-theory-of-property/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmvJCEYPa6Y

Takeaways

• Self-ownership is the foundational principle of libertarianism, asserting that individuals have a superior claim to their own bodies and the products of their labor.

• Property rights are seen as an expression of the will to own, rather than being created by the state.

• The concept of self-ownership serves as a barrier against state control and promotes individual liberty.

• Considering self-ownership is important when assessing political action and potential infringements on property rights.

Sound Bites

• "Each person has a superior claim to their own body, self-ownership."

• "The non-aggression principle is really nonsensical unless there is something to aggress against, and that's property rights beginning with self-ownership."

• "Law and rights do not depend on the dictates of the state. Property rights are decided through the process of human interaction rather than being decided by the state."

Tags

#selfownership

#property

#personalresponsibility

#individualliberty

#decentralization

#liberty

#freedom

#forgeoffreedom

#Mises

#bentham

#locke

Keywords

self-ownership, property rights, libertarianism, will to own, state control, individual liberty

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