Question

Suppose Kenneth earns more than Karen. A benevolent legislator has proposed taxing Kenneth in order to supplement Karen's income. How would a libertarian view this proposal?

Select one:

a. as a way to enhance Karen's income in a socially responsible way

b. as an inappropriate role for government, since government cannot morally redistribute income that is not its own

c. as a way to increase social justice

d. as validation of the superiority of a libertarian maximin criterion over Rawlsian social justice

Answer 1

Libertarian view give importance to individual choices and freedom.

This view limited role of government as the important condition for the liberty of individual and associated economic growth.

In such scenario, libertarians will not approve the resdistribution of income by the government. However, if such redistribution happens due to market forces then this is consistent with the libertarian view.

So,

A libertarian will view this proposal as an inappropriate role for government, since government cannot morally redistribute income that is not its own.

Hence, the correct answer is the option (b).