more from G.A. Cohen

Single Idea 21736

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

Full Idea

It is easy to doubt that much actually existing private property was formed in what anyone could think was a legitimating way.

Gist of Idea

It is doubtful whether any private property was originally acquired legitimately

Source

G.A. Cohen (Are Freedom and Equality Compatible? [1986], 2)

Book Reference

'Contemporary Political Philosophy (2nd ed)', ed/tr. Goodin,RE/Pettit,P [Blackwell 2006], p.418


A Reaction

What if I created an artificial island out of unwanted raw materials? What about the first humans to reach some remote territory?