Myth of Property: An Ownership Theory Towards Egalitarianism: An Ownership Theory Towards Egalitarianism

Author: Christman
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: This book is a research monograph that directly addresses the variable and complex structures of ownership. With a critical perspective, the book analyzes the meaning of "owning something," showcases debates on distributive justice, and examines the traditional concept of private property rights—where the owner has full sovereignty over the item, including the right to trade it in the market and the right to derive income from it. The book proposes a new theory of what "owning something" means—a theory of significant importance to any theory of distributive justice. This new theory more fully reveals the divergent values of society and individuals, and how property ownership can promote these values. It holds great significance for understanding reforms of capitalist and welfare-state systems, and offers fresh insights for comprehending the establishment of market economies in socialist countries. The perspectives presented here blur the traditional dichotomy between private ownership capitalism and public ownership socialism. This new view of ownership repositions the egalitarian principle of distributive justice with fresh eyes, challenging critics who oppose greater equality and seek to protect property rights.