It is precisely because neither individuals nor small groups can be fully self-sufficient that cooperation is necessary to human survival and flourishing. Tom G. Palmer cooperationflourishfully Change image and share on social
To repeat, communitarians maintain that we are constituted as persons by our particular obligations, and therefore those obligations cannot be a matter of choice. Tom G. Palmer choicecommunitarianconstitute Change image and share on social
Libertarians recognize the difference between adults and children, as well as differences between normal adults and adults who are insane or mentally hindered or retarded. Tom G. Palmer adultchilddifference Change image and share on social
Libertarians recognize the inevitable pluralism of the modern world and for that reason assert that individual liberty is at least part of the common good. Tom G. Palmer assertcommongood Change image and share on social
The reason the government sells the census as your ticket to getting goodies - rather than as your civic duty - is that distributing goodies is now all the government does. Tom G. Palmer censuscivicdistribute Change image and share on social
Libertarians argue that no normal adult has the right to impose choices on other normal adults, except in abnormal circumstances, such as when one person finds another unconscious and administers medical assistance or calls an ambulance. Tom G. Palmer abnormaladministeradult share on social
Obviously, all of us have been influenced by those around us. Tom G. Palmer influence Change image and share on social
Libertarians typically argue that particular obligations, at least under normal circumstances, must be created by consent; they cannot be unilaterally imposed by others. Tom G. Palmer arguecircumstanceconsent Change image and share on social
Guardians are necessary for children and abnormal adults, because they cannot make responsible choices for themselves. Tom G. Palmer abnormaladultchild Change image and share on social
But there is no obvious reason for holding that some normal adults are entitled to make choices for other normal adults, as paternalists of both left and right believe. Tom G. Palmer adultchoiceentitle Change image and share on social