Single Idea 20540

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 8. Socialism]

Full Idea

Treating people as means seems like a fairly accurate description of what is involved when the state coercively redistributes resources from some to others.

Gist of Idea

Redistributing wealth treats some people as means, rather than as ends

Source

Adam Swift (Political Philosophy (3rd ed) [2014], 1 'Nozick')

Book Reference

Swift,Adam: 'Political Philosophy (3rd edn)' [Polity 2014], p.36


A Reaction

The objection comes from Nozick, and alludes to Kant's desire to treat everyone as an end in themselves. Personally I don't mind at all being treated as a means, when my wife asks me to make her a cup of tea. Or paying my taxes to help the community.