Single Idea 18643

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 1. Purpose of a State]

Full Idea

A minimal state, limited to the narrow functions of protection against force, theft, fraud, enforcement of contracts, and so on, is justified; any more extensive state will violate persons' rights not to be forced to do certain things, and is unjustified.

Gist of Idea

A minimal state should protect, but a state forcing us to do more is unjustified

Source

Robert Nozick (Anarchy,State, and Utopia [1974], Pref)

Book Reference

Nozick,Robert: 'Anarchy,State, and Utopia' [Blackwell 1980], p.-8


A Reaction

This has some plausibility for a huge modern state, where we don't know one another, but it would be a ridiculous attitude in a traditional village.

Related Idea

Idea 22661 My Anarchy, State and Utopia neglected our formal social ties and concerns [Nozick on Nozick]