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Justice Quote by Robert Nozick

“If D1 was a just distribution, and people voluntarily moved from it to D2, transferring parts of their shares they were given under D1 (what was it for if not to do something with?), isn't D2 also just? If the people were entitled to dispose of the resources to which they were entitled (under D1)…” quote by Robert Nozick
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““If D1 was a just distribution, and people voluntarily moved from it to D2, transferring parts of their shares they were given under D1 (what was it for if not to do something with?), isn't D2 also just? If the people were entitled to dispose of the resources to which they were entitled (under D1), didn't this include their being entitled to give it to, or exchange it with, Wilt Chamberlain? Can anyone else complain on grounds of justice? Each other person already has his legitimate share under D1. Under D1, there is nothing that anyone has that anyone else has a claim of justice against. After someone transfers something to Wilt Chamberlain, third parties still have their legitimate shares; their shares are not changed. By what process could such a transfer among two persons give rise to a legitimate claim of distributive justice on a portion of what was transferred, by a third party who had no claim of justice on any holding of the others before the transfer?””

Robert Nozick

About This Quote

Source Book: Anarchy, State, and Utopia by Robert Nozick, 1974

Justice is defined by the original distribution and voluntary transfers do not create new claims; third parties cannot claim justice over transferred resources they never owned.

In simple terms: Voluntary transfers don’t create new justice claims.

Key Takeaway

Respect original property rights.

Themes

justice property rights distribution voluntary exchange

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • tax policy
  • inheritance
  • charitable giving
  • contract negotiations

Key Concepts

Libertarianism fairness entitlement

Questions to Reflect On

  • Does voluntary exchange always preserve fairness?
  • Can third‑party harms arise without direct claims?
A Different Perspective

Assumes all transfers are truly voluntary and informed.

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