Chapter 8: Justice Individual Rights and Freedom Introducing Philosophy, 10th edition Robert C. Solomon, Kathleen Higgins, and Clancy Martin

Unalienable Rights Unalienable rights cannot be taken away from the individual by anybody American Bill of Rights is an example of an attempt to list such rights There seem to be times when even such rights should be restricted – When falsely yelling “fire” in a crowded theater – When criminals repeat their crimes

John Locke argued that private property is the fundamental basis of rights Rights bring with them notions of political duties and obligations Civil rights: guaranteed in particular states Human rights: extend to all people

Two Senses of “Freedom” Negative freedom: freedom from interference –Corresponding right to not be interfered with Positive freedom: freedom to realize one’s own potential –Corresponding right to certain goods a society can provide

John Stuart Mill Individual freedom is the basis of liberal political philosophy – Individuals are free to live as they choose, provided they do not interfere with others’ similar rights – Defends individuals and minority opinion against tyranny of majority – Individual liberty is limited only when such liberty may harm others

Do such arguments for limited government lead to the thought of no government at all?

Obeying the Law: Civil Disobedience and Anarchism Henry David Thoreau ( ) was an American essayist, naturalist, and philosopher; a champion of individualism Argued that obeying the laws of a government that behaves unjustly is the same as behaving unjustly oneself Thoreau absolved himself of any obligations toward his country other than to “do what he believes right”

Anarchism is the view that rejects any government This view assumes the following: – People are naturally capable of living peacefully together – Government only interferes

A Neglected Right: The Right to Eat Amartya Sen, Nobel Prize-winning economist, argues the following: The right to food: – Not a problem of supply – An issue of justice Hunger is an issue to which economists and philosophers should dedicate their attention