Single Idea 20520

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / C. Rights / 4. Property rights]

Full Idea

The great advantage of Locke's 'labour-mixing' argument is that it seems it can justify the appropriation of land, as well as nuts and berries.

Gist of Idea

Locke says 'mixing of labour' entitles you to land, as well as nuts and berries

Source

comment on John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690]) by Jonathan Wolff - An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev) 5 'Locke'

Book Reference

Wolff,Jonathan: 'An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev)' [OUP 2006], p.140


A Reaction

The argument is dubious at best, and plausibly downright wicked. How much labour achieves ownership? What of previous people who worked the land but never thought to claim 'ownership'? Suppose I do more labour than you on 'your' land?