Robert Nozick

• State

  Minimalist state allows for the emergence ans peaceful coexistence of voluntarily formed communities , as long as individuals are free to contract in and out of these communities

  Strong but limited

  Should never coerce an individual
• Human nature

  • positive view
  • believing in the capacity for rational self interest and autonomy
  • individuals are capable of making their own choices and pursuing their own goals without interference
• Human nature: Counterpoints

  1. socialists: criticise focus on individualism as neglecting communal needs and social responsibilities
  2. social democrats: emphasise the role of social structures and institutions in shaping behaviour and ensuring fairness
• Society

  • framework for protecting individual rights with minimal constraints on personal freedom
  • role is to facilitate voluntary interactions and exchanges between individuals
• Society: Counterpoints

  1. traditional conservatives: argue for importance of social cohesion, shared values and responsibilities over individual autonomy
  2. socialists: emphasise collective responsibility and social welfare over individual rights
• Economy

  • free market capitalism
  • opposing redistribution of wealth as a violation of individual rights
  • voluntary exchanges and market mechanisms are the most efficient means of allocating resources
• Economy: Counterpoints

  1. socialists democrats: advocate for redistributive policies and regulations to promote equality and social justice
  2. Third Way: supports a mixed economy with market mechanisms and welfare provisions to balance efficiency and equity
• Tradition

  • less emphasised with a focus on individual choice and freedom
  • believed that individuals should be free to challenged and change traditional norms if they conflict with personal liberty
• Tradition: Counterpoints

  1. traditional conservatives: value tradition as a moral guide and a source of social stability
  2. authoritarian conservatives: argue for maintaining cultural continuity and traditional values by aggressively suppressing progressivism
• Equality

  • opposed enforced equality
  • focusing on equal rights and opportunities
  • individuals should be free to succeed or fail based their own efforts and choices
• Equality: Counterpoints

  1. democratic socialists: support policies to achieve social and economic equality and fairness
  2. social democrats: advocate for reducing inequalities through intervention and social policies
• Examples:

  • Opposition to Obamacare 2010- conservatives argued it expanded government control and violated individual freedom
  • Cuts in to Welfare Spending 2010- aimed to reduce state intervention- no wealth distribution