Monthly Archives: March 2012

Machan’s Archives: Disputing Positive Rights (or Liberty) Tibor R. Machan* An influential idea in contemporary political philosophy is positive rights (or liberty). It has been advanced by political thinkers on both the Right and the Left. In contrast to the … Continue reading →

The Economic Tyranny of the Interstate Commerce Clause Tibor R. Machan Here is an instructive comment from Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg during the recent oral arguments presented about Obamacare: “People who don’t participate in this market are making … Continue reading →

Altruism isn’t Generosity Tibor R. Machan A big error has haunted humanity for centuries: it’s the equivocation between generosity and altruism. The former is a virtue any decent human being will practice: it asks of one to reach out to … Continue reading →

Instead of Zoning…What? Tibor R. Machan I have argued before why zoning laws are inconsistent with a free society’s principles, in particular with the principle of private property rights. Basically they amount to impositions by some people on others of … Continue reading →

How Not to Treat Ideas Tibor R. Machan The philosophical school I consider most sensible sees ideas as the means by which human beings gain understanding of reality. Ideas are what helps us navigate reality so we can live successfully. … Continue reading →

Prudence versus Greed Tibor R. Machan Most people mean by greed an “excessive or rapacious desire, especially for wealth or possessions.” As to prudence, it is the quality of being cautious with regard to practical matters and especially in regard … Continue reading →

Machan’s Archives: Genuine Military Defense Anyone? (updated) Tibor R. Machan As much as one may object to Iran’s government’s efforts to build atomic weapons, the American government isn’t supposed to be some kind of meta-police that embarks upon restraining such … Continue reading →