Self-ownership does not deny the ability of groups to act collectively

Self-ownership does not deny the ability of groups to act collectively (in self-defence)... although it is unlikely in the absence of a tribal identity that group associations would be very strong

For their own protection, an individual may choose to associate with a larger group that will act in self-defence if any member has been violated. This does not violate the principle of self-ownership (which establishes the Non-Aggression Principle) since all members of the group are acting voluntarily...

Such an individual would feel an obligation to assist in the efforts at retaliation if any member has been "attacked". They may even want to act of their own volition and not out of a sense of (established) duty.


Trust... Until the loyalty of each member has been tested no individual can be sure of the commitment (which is) expected of them and that which can be expected from others. Without a sense of (tribal) identity the group structure doesn't work very well...

Unless we see aggression against a neighbour as (in some sense) an attack against us personally, then it is unlikely we will take strong (retaliatory) preventative action... But do some people want to pursue criminals for their own satisfaction, and for no other reason? This would be to help other people in the most selfless way.

To get rid of criminals it makes sense to collaborate with other people if the costs of doing so are less than the advantage of living in a "safe" community. If we are well known to our neighbours then to act in this way will improve our standing and (perhaps) make other aspects of live less expensive to us (we are repaid with favours from neighbours). The significant difference here, as compared to typical (bid-offer) "bargains" in the market place is that our compensation is retrograde: our payment comes later...

So, provided people are prepared to work for (and reliably expect) rewards after the execution of a (retaliatory, protective) task, then Societies will prosper and not descend (if it is a bad thing) into individualism.

Friday 10 April 2009