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I'd like to
introduce another libertarian philosopher -- Jan
Narveson. His book, The Libertarian Idea, is
worth reading. In fact, I think he is one of
the most thorough writers on the subject of
liberty and property.
Narveson writes about
initial acquisition in the state of nature. He
asks whether exclusive acquisition (i.e.,
strong property rights) obtained by first
occupation will unjustly interfere with the
liberty of others. He seems to agree with
Pilon. Here's his answer:
People
may, then, take what they please, so long as
what they take, that is to say, what they do
there, does not adversely affect the rights
that people already have. That my
acquisition of a given plot thereby
disenables you from having that plot is true
enough, but nothing to the point, since you
had no
right to that plot any more than I
did. I acquired the right by getting there
first and doing things with it. I did not
activate a claim I already had, for
I had none. Acquisition limits opportunity,
to be sure. But nobody had a duty to provide
you with that opportunity, nor even to
maintain it for you. (The
Libertarian Idea, p. 85)
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