Tag: rights
Democracy limits bad government in the long haul.
December 2, 2016 | Post
The following is the fourth installment in a five-part debate between Jason Brennan and Philip Pettit on the legitimacy of democracy as a system of social order.
The double thank you of the market
November 18, 2016 | Post
If we want the market order to survive, we will have to continue to treat it both in theory and practice as a realm of moral and virtuous behavior.
Common law gave you real property ownership
November 11, 2016 | Post
With minor variations between the states, the law governing the use and ownership of real property emerged as part of English common law.
“If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain,” writes Facebook acquaintance with fundamental misunderstanding of political philosophy
November 4, 2016 | Post
At 6:58pm Eastern time last night, Facebook acquaintance and sophomore sociology major Sean Stevens reported that if you don’t vote in the upcoming presidential election then you have no right to complain about the trajectory of the nation. Stevens, who bravely displays the Human Rights Campaign logo as his profile picture, went on to provide […]
Do animals have rights? Professors Bryan Caplan and Michael Huemer discuss
November 1, 2016 | Post
What’s the appropriate balance between the rights of animals and the comfort and quality of life of humans?
Is Mobility a Right or a Privilege?
October 1, 2016 | Post
Rather than invent new human rights, people who are concerned about poverty should first ask what kind of barriers government creates that prevent social mobility. Those barriers should all be removed before any thought is given to taxing some people in order to give money or resources to others.
George Washington's Letter to the Jews
September 25, 2016 | Post
Toleration is the cornerstone of liberalism. Washington understood this and urged future generations to honor this commitment.
How Free Speech Protects Property
September 3, 2016 | Post
Does a ban on signs on the beach infringe on property rights? Edward and DeLanie Goodwin, in partnership with the Pacific Legal Foundation, argue that it does, and have filed a lawsuit with Walden County, Florida. Walden County recently banned all signs on private beach property—this includes “Private Property” and “No Trespassing” signs meant to […]
Americans Owe It to Themselves to Consider Reparations for Marginalized Minorities
June 22, 2016 | Post
Property rights are key for a free society. Since they set out what belongs to whom, they are the foundation for human freedom. Property norms tell us who can do what, with what, and to whom. When securely guaranteed, property rights offer a basis (if not the best basis) for predictability and stability. As social […]
You Need to Consider the Moral Aspects of “Feeling the Bern”
June 16, 2016 | Post
Many voters, especially younger voters, are “feeling the Bern.” But what exactly are they feeling? Generally, these individuals believe that some people (financially successful individuals) owe other people (low-income individuals)—and that some people, like those of the working class or youth demographic, are entitled to receive benefits at the expense of others. Is This an […]
Your "Right to Vote" Includes a Right That Most People Don't Think About
June 11, 2016 | Post
There are many reasons to vote—or to decide not to vote. As we inch closer to November’s election, you might hear some of the common arguments in favor of voting: It’s your civic duty to vote Other people don’t have the right to vote, so you should exercise your right to vote People fought and died […]
How One Image Showed the World What Heroism Really Means
June 3, 2016 | Post
The collective thought it could use military force to conquer individuality. It took unknown individual to prove otherwise.
Know Your (Bill of) Rights
February 18, 2016 | Post
Did you know that the Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution? Okay, maybe you did. But can you name all the amendments, and what they protect? You’re probably familiar with the First, Second, and Fifth Amendments, which are commonly referenced and protect free speech, the right to bear arms, and […]
What Are Rights?
February 9, 2016 | Post
Many a political commentator will make the argument that something is a right. But have you ever seriously considered what constitutes a right? This is an important philosophical, as well as political and economic question we must ask ourselves when determining the proper role of government in a free society. In this Learn Liberty video […]
Can you be sued for your political newspaper ad?
February 3, 2016 | Post
The Institute for Justice released a great video last week which describes just one of their cases regarding political speech. They point out how laws restricting freedom of speech, especially political speech, can have a negative impact on political dialog—and that the people who have the most to gain from these laws are politicians themselves. […]
What You Probably Haven't Heard About Citizens United
February 2, 2016 | Post
Did the Supreme Court decision in the case Citizens United vs. FEC really sell out democracy to corporations? Professor Bradley Smith disagrees and explains why treating corporations as persons for purposes of the law is important and beneficial for society in this Learn Liberty video.
Discussion Question: Vaccines
December 25, 2015 | Post
A 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield claimed that vaccines to common viruses, such as the measles, were linked to causing autism. Based on this (widely discredited) study, many parents have not let their children receive vaccinations. Should parents have the right to do this? Should parents have the right to keep their children from receiving […]
Human Rights Day
December 10, 2015 | Post
Today is Human Rights Day, a day when we commemorate the respect for individual rights, which are largely responsible for the human flourishing enjoyed in recent centuries. In the U.S., human rights are enshrined in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They guarantee basic rights like freedom of expression, self-defense, and due process. Historically, […]
Equality and Respect: How You Are Equal to Hugh Jackman
November 17, 2015 | Post
Being equal in the eyes of the law is something most if not all can agree on, but do you think governments should strive to assure at least a minimum level of equality in certain aspects of life? For example, everyone should have free drinking water, basic health care or some other necessity? Professor Aeon […]