Ariadne's Thread on Justice
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I don't think that need will supply a foundation for rights. Consider some examples from Loren Lomasky, the libertarian philosopher.

- I may need a liver transplant to live, but does anyone have an obligation to provide me with a liver? Does my need create a right to someone's liver?

- No one may be able to supply what I need. Then what? Can I have a right to something that no one can supply?

- What if I am blind and need an eye. You have two eyes. Do I have a right to one of them?

Lomasky makes a good point when he says that need may supply a good reason to help someone, but it doesn't supply the foundation for a right.

See Lomasky, p. 94ff

 

As far as the common good goes, I'm very skeptical about the whole concept unless it is very narrowly defined. As far as I can see, the so-called 'common good' turns out to be a device for taking from some people in order to give to others.


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