What is a 'right'?

[Jim Choate]

On Thu, 3 Jan 2002, Sunder wrote:

> On Sun, 30 Dec 2001, Jim Choate wrote:
> 
> > A 'right' is an activity that any individual could engage in (at least in
> > principle) while 'in a state of nature'.
> >
> > So what does 'in a state of nature' imply? It implies human activity a
> > priori to the concept of 'civilization'.
> 
> That don't work white boy.
> 
> According to you, while in "a state of nature" anyone has the right to
> grab the nearest rock and smash it over your head repeatedly (in
> principle.)

It's interesting you don't quote the following paras that addresses this
exact point (ie isolation).

Blipverts strike again.
 
> That doesn't make it ethical or "right".  Right != ability.  

'right' has nothing to do with 'ability'. One has a right to speech even
if one is deaf or dumb. 'right' is a function of existing and defending
that existance against threat.

> That you possess the ability to grab a loaded machine gun and shoot the
> nearest cop does not mean that you legally may do so -- you don't have the
> right to do so, though you have the physical ability to do so.

Exactly my point...

You agree with me, will wonders never cease?


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