Rights


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A right is what can be justifiably demanded of others. A negative right (for example, a right to life or property) is a right not to be interfered with in certain ways. A positive right (for example, a right to health care or a decent standard of living) is a right to certain goods that society should help to provide.

Libertarians deny positive rights, on the grounds that society can pay for these goods only by violating the property rights of others; libertarians favor minimal government, free markets, private property, and unregulated capitalism.

Socialists, on the other hand, support positive rights, community ownership of organizations that provide goods and services, a more equal distribution of wealth, and a government that's actively involved in providing for everyone's needs.

Also possible is a mixed view, which tries to combine the best elements of capitalism and socialism.

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