Is libertarianism all about rights or consequences? Jason Kuznicki and Christopher Freiman spar over this timeless question in the latest debate issue of Reason. Below is a snippet from Kuznicki arguing in favor of rights alone:
Most consequentialists will say relieving suffering is good because it makes people happier. And the good, they usually add, is really just the greatest happiness for the greatest number. But I find that happiness is not a reliable guide to judging what’s right or wrong.
Morally good things can make people happier. But I have often noticed that morally bad things can make people happier too: A petty thief steals a tomato from a neighbor’s garden. The neighbor thinks an animal ate it. The thief loves to steal, and the neighbor is only mildly disappointed. Aggregate happiness has increased, yet we find the thief’s action despicable.
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