Nozickian

Nozickian refers to philosophy associated with Robert Nozick, an American political philosopher, particularly his defense of libertarianism and a minimal state as articulated in Anarchy, State, and Utopia (1974). Nozickian thought emphasizes individual rights and self-ownership, arguing that just distributions arise from just holdings rather than adherence to any pattern of wealth or welfare.

A central idea is the entitlement theory of justice, consisting of three stages: just acquisition of holdings, just transfer of holdings, and rectification of past injustices. When holdings arise through these just mechanisms, the distribution is just, even if it is unequal. This rejects patterned or end-state principles that aim to distribute goods according to a particular social outcome.

A key practical implication is a defense of a minimal state. The legitimate state’s only proper roles are to enforce contracts, protect persons and property, and rectify clear injustices in acquisition or transfer. Redistribution or mandatory welfare programs are seen as violations of rights.

Nozick’s famous Wilt Chamberlain thought experiment illustrates that even voluntary transactions can lead to distributions that depart from any prior pattern, suggesting that maintaining an equal or patterned distribution would require ongoing interference with freedom, which Nozick argues is unjust.

Nozickianism has been influential in debates over property rights, taxation, and the justification of the state, shaping contemporary libertarian thought. It also faces criticisms for potentially neglecting historic injustices, public goods, externalities, and questions about whether strict adherence to self-ownership adequately protects vulnerable individuals.