Social Pragmatism

We are limited to various configurations of language, experience, and desire.

No one has any inherent authority over anyone else.

Define basic freedom as not being subjected to force or fraud and effective freedom as having the resources to do something.

Having authority then means the right to limit the basic or effective freedom of others.

Since no one has any inherent authority over anyone else, no one has the right to limit the basic or effective freedom of others.

On the other hand, no one has the right to demand their rights from others since rights are not inherent, but are defined within a social context.

This situation naturally leads to conflict and inefficiency, so we need a social contract. Rights can be defined and protected only within the context of a social contract.

Maximum basic freedom and adequate effective freedom for all seems like a reasonable compromise.

However, effective freedom can reduce the basic freedom of others if it is accomplished by forcing them do something they don't want to do.

Ideally, effective freedom will come if basic freedom is emphasized and people find their own ways to do what they want without interfering with others.

But adequate effective freedom needs to remain in the social contract in case this does not work in some cases.

Transitions to greater basic freedom need to emphasize the protection of individuals from force and fraud, especially from powerful economic interests, the creation of true free markets by eliminating corporate subsidies and providing adequate information to consumers, and cushioning the impact of the changes on the weak and the poor.

Politics is finding the least objectionable practical means to implement a social contract.