Single Idea 18644

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / c. Liberal equality]

Full Idea

A state may not use its coercive apparatus for the purposes of getting some citizens to aid others, or in order to prohibit activities to people for their own good or protection.

Gist of Idea

States can't enforce mutual aid on citizens, or interfere for their own good

Source

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

Book Reference

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


A Reaction

You certainly can't apply these principles to children, so becoming an 'adult' seems to be a very profound step in Nozick's account. At what age must we stop interfering with people for their own good. If the state is prohibited, are neighbours also?