MEETING NEEDS AND BUSINESS OBLIGATIONS - AN ARGUMENT FOR THE LIBERTARIAN SKEPTIC

In this paper I argue that if we are to have any defensible property r ights at all, we must recognize a fundamental commitment to helping th ose in need. The argument has significant implications for all who cla im defensible property rights. In this paper I concentrate on some of the implications this argument has for redefining business obligations . In particular, I show why those who typically would be quite resista nt to the idea that businesses have any obligations to assist others i n need must acknowledge this fundamental obligation. I also suggest ho w this argument contributes to our understanding of the normative basi s of Stakeholder Theory.