Is capitalism based on self-ownership?
Murray Rothbard, a leading “libertarian” capitalist, claims that capitalism is based on the “basic axiom” of “the right to self-ownership.” This “axiom” is defined as “the absolute right of each man [sic]. . .to control [his or her] body free of coercive interference. Since each individual must think, learn, value, and choose his or her ends and means in order to survive and flourish, the right to self-ownership gives man [sic] the right to perform these vital activities without being hampered by coercive molestation.” [For a New Liberty, pp. 26-27] So far, so good. However, we reach a problem once we consider private property. As Ayn Rand, another ideologue for “free market” capitalism argued, “there can be no such thing as the right to unrestricted freedom of speech (or of action) on someone else’s property” [Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal, p. 258]. Or, as is commonly said by capitalist owners, “I don’t pay you to think.” Similarly, capitalists don’t pay their employees to perform the
