Stephen Bracciale of Tampa is Very Interested in Political Theory

It will surprise some to learn that Stephen Bracciale of Tampa is very interested in political theory, and that he does a great deal of time analyzing and thinking about it. For example, while recently examining the work of Robert Nozick, he was struck by several interesting points. He feels overall that everyone should learn some political theory while they have the chance ‒ it has helped him a great deal.

There are many interesting points in Nozick’s theory, some of them quite valid. His argument that the principle of entitlement is not patterned and his notion that liberty upsets patterns in general is a realistic one. To assume that people can somehow be made equal despite differences in race, religion, income, social status, gender, and varying other factors is to deny many important aspects of human development and differentiation. Therefore it is only intelligent to acknowledge the fact that, in truth and for all of John Rawls’ lofty ideals, a leveling of the playing field is, in some ways, detrimental to those in society who do possess other qualities (innate or otherwise) which have allowed them to get to where they are.

This then leads to the question of whether or not it is in fact legitimate to dismiss the needs and wants of what would likely be a very large group of disadvantaged individuals in the name of preserving the freedom of the privileged few. Is such an oversight acceptable in the face of the alternative, a notable loss of the freedom to grow, gain and achieve without restriction? And does such a restricted and minimalist state even adhere itself to such a thing? These are the underlying aspects of Nozick’s argument which are somewhat begging to be discussed and analyzed, as they have the potential to undercut his entire theory.  Stephen Bracciale of Tampa remains intrigued and fascinated by this.