Question

A brief explanation of Nozick's entitlement theory of justice and how it'sbassociated with government programs or policy's. (An example of how it's linked or connected to a program or policy)

Answer 1

Answer: Robert Nozick is regarded as true champion of competitive market society and maintained strong faith in LIBERTARIANISM.He propounded RIGHT TO PROPERTY AS SACROSANCT.

In his work Anarchy,State and Utopia (1974) gave an alternative to Rawl's theory of Justice.He can be regareded as libertarian who opposed to welfare state(unlike Rawl's) ans supported LAISSEZ-FAIRE or NIGHTWATCHMAN STATE.

He gave three sources to acquire goods by individuals:

1.Their selves- aquired by using his mind and body and has absolute right over them.

2.Natural world:Resouces like land ,water etc here entitlement decided by some logic.

3.Things those people make by using themselves to natural world i.e. industrial products.Voluntarily can transfer them.

He told 3 principles by which such entitlement cqn conform with JUSTICE:

1.Initial acquisition-where previously unacquired bit of natural world is acquired by individual i.e. first come first serve basis.

2.Voluntary transfer- applicable to all properties, with exchange of something with out force.

3.Rectification-Where international community can interfere in order to restore justice.example illegal acquisition of natural resources etc.

Hence it can be said that his theory of justice gave libertarian turn to John Locke's liberal model of social contract.

This theory can also be associated with present day government's programme or policies.As with increasing Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation era governments has restricted themselves with certain strategic and important functuons and provided individuals and private sectors with ample space to work upon and grow.

Example of this can be seen in Taxing common services like streets, lights and parks , which are naturaly belongs to all hence should benefit to all and get benefited by all who are using them.

However Nozick gave too much importance to liberalisation and compromised welfare state functions of governments.

Hope it helps!