Proprietarianism

Proprietarianism is a political philosophy that emphasizes the right to acquire, own, and control property. It is often associated with libertarianism, but proprietarianism places a particular focus on the moral and economic justifications for private property rights. Proponents argue that the right to property is fundamental and derives from principles of self-ownership, labor, and voluntary exchange. They believe that individuals have a natural right to the fruits of their labor and that property rights are essential for individual liberty and economic prosperity.

Key tenets of proprietarianism include the idea that all property is initially unowned and can be justly acquired through original appropriation, such as by mixing one's labor with it, or through voluntary exchange. They generally advocate for minimal government intervention in economic affairs, believing that markets are the most efficient mechanism for allocating resources and that property rights are best protected through a legal system that upholds contracts and prevents coercion. Some forms of proprietarianism may also extend the concept of property rights to include the right to exclude others from one's property and to dispose of it as one sees fit. This philosophy generally views taxation as a form of coercion and a violation of property rights.