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Wealth and Private Property in Philosophical Works Essay

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Private Property and Utopia

Harp, in his article on private property, relies on the fundamental works of Thomas Aquinas, “Summa Theologica” and “Utopia” by Thomas More. I think Aquinas’ position is more appealing, and several thesis confirmations exist. Thomas Aquinas believes that private property helps to establish adequate social relations and motivates people to work. Therefore, he gives obvious advantages to this economy (Harp, 2008). All these advantages of the market economy can be seen in modern society. At the same time, the author does not reject the idea of public property and considers it a natural right, a contract of consent between people.

Modern economics, for me, is a statement that non-radical and suitable forms of joint ownership, such as mutual stock companies, allow companies and their owners to be very effective. A large company, such as Apple, goes public, where everyone can buy shares, which is proof of a healthy and working economy (Harp, 2008). At the same time, I believe that Moore’s position on the benefits of absolute common ownership is inappropriate. The main proof of this is historical facts, for example, the existence of the USSR, where a complete ban on private property led to the collapse of a great state. In the modern world, democratic institutions are also actively implementing programs that fight inequality, which was unrealistic in Moore’s time.

The Original Sin

The conditions of natural depravity in both Herbert’s book and Moore’s primary source are related to the themes of wealth and private property. I need to highlight the following conditions of natural depravity: greed, lying, murder, and cruelty (Sargent, 2005). These old biblical sins manifest when a person must pursue private property to live in a certain society (Hebert, 2019). This constant pursuit makes people take risks and do bad things. When money is the measure of all, humanity’s preferences become much lower, including the value of life. The lives and happiness of others cease to mean anything to members of such a society – only themselves and their money are important to them. In such a cruel capitalist system, the privileged minority exploits the oppressed majority. In my opinion, the doctrine of “natural sin” and social decay in some places, especially in the poorer parts of the world, may remain relevant, so I agree with these examples.

References

Sargent, L., T. (2005). What is a utopia? Oxford Press.

Harp, J. (2008). Private property and utopia. Keynon Review.

Hebert, J. (2019). Thomas More on the virtues and vices of property. Journal of the Witherspoon Institute.

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IvyPanda. "Wealth and Private Property in Philosophical Works." August 12, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/wealth-and-private-property-in-philosophical-works/.

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