The Right to Ignore the State

Name: The Right to Ignore the State
Author: Herbert Spencer

By Herbert Spencer

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Philosophy & Ethics Politics

About This Book

The essay argues that individuals possess a moral right to withdraw from political authority and refuse taxes or protection, on the principle that each person may act so long as they do not infringe another's equal freedom. It treats government as a temporary agent created by consent but sustained by coercive violence, contending that legislative power is derivative and limited by natural law. It criticizes deference to majorities and challenges claims of absolute majority authority, insists that withdrawing forfeits state benefits but is not inherently unjust, and calls for strict limits on governmental scope to reduce moral contradiction.

About the Author

Herbert Spencer

Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) was an English philosopher and sociologist known for his contributions to the development of social theory and evolutionary biology. He is often associated with the phrase "survival of the fittest," which he used to describe the process of natural selection. Spencer's works encompass a wide range of topics, including ethics, education, and the philosophy of science. His notable publications include "First Principles," where he outlines his philosophical framework, and "Essays on Education and Kindred Subjects," which reflects his views on the role of education in society. Spencer's ideas have had a lasting impact on both sociology and philosophy.