I think philosophers can do things akin to theoretical scientists, in that, having read about empirical data, they … - Robert Nozick

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. . . the taste of the finely-worded truth rolled upon the tongue as its thought is revolved in the mind.

Robert Nozick

I think philosophers can do things akin to theoretical scientists, in that, having read about empirical data, they too can think of what hypotheses and theories might account for that data. So there's a continuity between philosophy and science in that way.

Account, Data, Having, Philosophy, Think, Thinking

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Taxation of earnings from labor is on a par with forced labor. Seizing the results of someone's labor is equivalent to seizing hours from him and directing him to carry on various activities.

Directing, Labor, Liberty, Philosophy, Political, Various

Individuals have rights and there are things no person or group may do to them (without violating their rights). So strong and far-reaching are these rights that they raise the question of what, if anything, the state and its officials may do. How much room do individual rights leave for the state?

Question, Rights, Room, Strong, What If

Our main conclusions about the state are that a minimal state, limited, to the narrow functions of protection against force, theft, fraud, enforcement of contracts, and so on, is justified, but any more extensive state will violate persons' rights not to be forced to do certain things, and is unjustified; and that the minimal state is inspiring as well as right.

Contracts, Enforcement, Protection, Rights, Unjustified, Violate

You can't satisfy everybody; especially if there are those who will be dissatisfied unless not everybody is satisfied.

Dissatisfied, Everybody, Ifs, Satisfied, Satisfy, Unless

The illegitimate use of a state by economic interests for their own ends is based upon a preexisting illegitimate power of the state to enrich some persons at the expense of others. Eliminate that illegitimate power of giving differential economic benefits and you eliminate or drastically restrict the motive for wanting political influence.

Expense, Giving, Motive, Political, Use