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Line 55: − + − − This is the Law of Retaliation, or ''Lex talionis'' in [[Latin]].
→Politics: clarify role of government
=== Politics ===
=== Politics ===
[[Political philosophy|Politics]] (from the [[Greek language|Greek]] '''πολις''' a city, from the organization of [[Greece|Greek]] civilization around independent city-states) is the philosophy of [[government]]—the need for it, its proper sphere, and the obligations of its subjects. The central axiom of Objectivist politics is that<blockquote>Force is permissible ''only'' in retaliation and ''only'' against those who initiate its use.<ref name=Atlas/></blockquote>
[[Political philosophy|Politics]] (from the [[Greek language|Greek]] '''πολις''' a city, from the organization of [[Greece|Greek]] civilization around independent city-states) is the philosophy of [[government]]—the need for it, its proper sphere, and the obligations of its subjects. The central principles of Objectivist politics are:<blockquote>"The necessary consequence of man’s right to life is his right to self-defense. In a civilized society, force may be used only in retaliation and only against those who initiate its use."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aynrandlexicon.com/lexicon/self-defense.html|title=Self Defense|author=Ayn Rand|editor=Harry Binswanger}}</ref></blockquote><blockquote>If physical force is to be barred from social relationships, men need an institution charged with the task of protecting their rights under an objective code of rules. ... A government is the means of placing the retaliatory use of physical force under objective control—i.e., under objectively defined laws.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aynrandlexicon.com/lexicon/government.html|title=Government|author=Ayn Rand|editor=Harry Binswanger}}</ref></blockquote>
Thus a government ought not compel charity—and in this context, ''compulsion'' is the application of force to induce another person toward an action he might not otherwise take. Nor should the government compel anyone to associate with those with whom he would prefer not to associate. Freedom of association is very important in Objectivist politics.
Thus a government ought not compel charity—and in this context, ''compulsion'' is the application of force to induce another person toward an action he might not otherwise take. Nor should the government compel anyone to associate with those with whom he would prefer not to associate. Freedom of association is very important in Objectivist politics.