This is an interesting critique of the self-ownership principle, and one that other libertarians ignore at their own stupidity. The lack of nuance that Rothbard sometimes presented in his theoretical and philosophical abstractions is a problem for relating theory to praxis in the case of libertarianism and propertarianism. Lewis rightly points out that the prevailing moral psychologies and legal precedents negate the views of Rothbard on things like children and the totality of a contractual society. However, I disagree with his view that social contractarianism is the negation of a contractual society. Rather I believe they can be complementary in their creation of solid, customary law through common law courts and juries, and the mindset and customs of a natural law society which negate the capabilities of parasitism and state-based coercion. (by the blog author)
by Todd Lewis Continue reading