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Old 07-18-2007   #2 (permalink)
DChristopher
pragmatic idealist
 
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Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 190
Default Re: A theory of ownership

Interesting take.

I think that there's an aspect you haven't yet considered.

Suppose I like to collect pretty rocks. Suppose they have no use to me or anyone else, I just happen to like them.

Suppose you like them, too.

Now, what if I go on a long journey in search of a nice rock, and I find it after months of difficulty and danger. I bring it back, and say it's mine.

(BTW, it's an analogy--please bear with me, and let's not get too sidetracked on the ethics of removing a rock from nature and calling it one's own...)

While I was gone, you watched television, ate, and slept.

When I bring the rock back, you declare that it's not mine, that ownership is artificial, and it's actually ours to share; that I have no more right to the rock than you do.

I've done nothing to benefit society, that I should be granted the rock on merit, so your aspect #2 is out. OTOH, I would prefer that society agree with me that the rock is mine (or at least, mostly mine), without the threat of violence in order to keep it. IOW, I don't want to default to your #1, the threat of biting.

The fact is, I paid for the rock in time and effort and risk. Shouldn't a fair society agree to honor that, to some extent?
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