Self-ownership

Self-ownership is the philosophical and political concept that individuals have the right to control their own bodies, labor, and property. It asserts that each person is the sole proprietor of themself, and therefore has the authority to make decisions about their own life without coercion or interference from others, including the state or any other external authority. This includes the right to make choices about one's health, activities, possessions, and the fruits of one's labor, as long as they do not infringe upon the self-ownership of others. It is a cornerstone of libertarianism and other individualistic philosophies.

Self-ownership meaning with examples

• Advocates of self-ownership argue that taxation is a violation of this fundamental right, as it forces individuals to surrender a portion of their earnings to the state. This violates their ability to decide how they use the fruits of their labor. This perspective emphasizes the individual's autonomy and decision-making in financial matters, and believes in minimal governmental involvement.
• The debate over bodily autonomy and self-ownership often arises in discussions about medical procedures. For example, the debate around mandatory vaccinations. The question is, should an individual's decision to refuse medical treatment be overridden by public health concerns? The answer is determined by how strongly someone values personal choices.
• In the realm of digital privacy, self-ownership extends to control over one's data and online presence. The rise of data brokers and surveillance technologies has raised questions about how much control individuals truly have over their personal information and its use. People are becoming increasingly aware of this reality.
• Self-ownership is often cited as a justification for property rights. If an individual owns themself, then they also own the product of their labor and the resources they justly acquire. This concept is at the heart of capitalism, arguing that individuals should be able to use or dispose of their resources how they see fit.