Reply To: Andrewdblevins
[quote=Andrewdblevins]
So I am taking a class on political philosophy and consent theory this semester, and as usual I am the only libertarian in the class. We are currently discussing why people have a moral obligation to obey the state, or in what circumstances they have an obligation. Now intuitively as a libertarian I would like to say that there is no moral obligation to obey the state. In the past, in layman debate I have always come at these problems from a property rights viewpoint, but my professor has disarmed me, because we have not yet decided whether there is a moral right to property. This class is a little bit above my head (I'm a physicist with no formal philosophical background.) I have read a number of books on philosophy for fun (Locke, Nozick, Rothbard) and I know the basics. But I need some suggestions on how to defend libertarianism or anarchism from a standpoint of moral philosophy. I know there are a lot of libertarians of various kinds on this board; If anyone could point me towards some 'reputable' academic sources on this topic I'd be greatly appreciative. Thanks Andy
[/quote]
You only have moral obligations if you have signed up for them.
I don't have a source, I think this is self-evident.
Regarding the state the sign-up happens at the voting booth. So if you vote you need to obey all laws, or else you're a hypocrite and a liar. :-)
Whoever caused the baby to lie in the gutter in the first place is the criminal. I agree that any passers-by who don't intervene given a reasonable opportunity are assholes though. But not criminals.
©2012 The Seasteading Institute