Property is directly related to the power one has in society. Some individuals argue that the government should offer more protection for property owners. Others argue that in a fair country, citizens would have similar amounts of property because property provides a basis for so many other decisions. Property rights actually exist as a matter of degree. A property owner has some rights, but he or she must tolerate some restrictions on those rights. The following questions will help you think critically about the link between property rights and power.
1. If a group of politicians passed a law to increase protection of property rights, what ethical norm probably led to this legislation?
Clue: Review the list of ethical norms in Chapter 1.Which ethical norm seems most likely to motivate increased protection of property?
2. If a group of radical politicians proposed a law that reduced personal property protection and redistributed some property rights to the poor, what ethical norm was probably behind this action?
Clue: Again, review the list of ethical norms.
3. In light of the variation in rights attached to the concept of property in different countries, the idea of property has ambiguity as one of its primary characteristics. What could nations do to eliminate any ambiguity associated with saying “This property is mine”?
Clue: Take another look at the definition of property rights.