Studies in Political and Social Ethics (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902. Excerpt: ... / " Liberty consists in the power of doing whatever does not injure another. ) The exercise of the natural rights of every man has no other limits than those which are necessary to secure to every other man the free exercise of the same rights; and these limits are determined only by the law." Here, in the first place, the consideration of injury to others is brought in over and above the mere abstract principle of equal liberty. Secondly (and this is even more important) the determination of the limits of the exercise of "natural rights" is left to the lazv; so that the principle of equal liberty is no longer something standing outside of and above the action of the legislature. Another formula which has very often found acceptance as determining the end and the limits of government action is the principle of giving every one "an equal start." Open competition will, then, it is argued, lead to "the survival of the fittest." Yes, if all start fair. But that would involve a very extensive amount of government interference nowadays, when the characters and circumstances of individuals have been moulded by unequal legislation in the past. We should have to prohibit inheritance of property, we should have to secure an equal education for all, equally good housing and feeding, etc., if the race of life is really to determine who is the best man. It is only a mockery to take an untrained man, with clumsy boots on his feet, and a trained athlete in proper costume, and set them to run a race, telling them it is quite fair, because they have an equal start. If the demand for an equal start be pressed, every man might claim the right to be weJLJjorn; and that would involve a pretty extensive interference with individual liberty in the matter of marriage--an interfe...