The Problem of Property

This book is Karl Widerquist's first statement of the "indepentarian" theory of property, called, "Justice as the Pursuit of Accord" (JPA). It argues the natural-rights-based arguments for unequal private property have failed to establish that institution as right. It is a legal privilege, inconsistent with the maximum equal freedom from interference. The book discusses how to establish and maintain a property system that best promotes freedom from interference. Paying taxes and obeying regulations is part of the purchase price of the right to control, use, or use-up any good made partly out of natural resources (i. e. all goods), because doing so interferes with people who control, use, or use-up fewer natural resources. A sufficient portion of that tax revenue has to be redistributed in the form of a Universal Basic Income to ensure the property system is in the interest of everyone.

Chapter 1. Introduction. - Chapter 2: The Problem Of Property. - Chapter 3: Lockean Property Theory: A Menu Of Options For The Justification Of Unilateral Appropriation. - Chapter 4: Lockean Appropriation Assessed. - Chapter 5: Right-Libertarian Appropriation Assessed. - Chapter 6: The Approximation Of A Property Rights Accord. - Chapter 7: Conclusion: The Greater Of Two Goods.