Entitlement: The Paradoxes of Property

In "Entitlement: The Paradoxes of Property," Joseph William Singer presents a thought-provoking analysis of the complex and contradictory nature of property rights in modern society. Drawing on legal history, philosophy, and social theory, Singer explores how the concept of "entitlement" has evolved over time, and how it shapes our understanding of who should have access to resources, wealth, and power.

At the heart of Singer's argument is the idea that property rights are not fixed, but rather are shaped by social and political forces. He argues that the way we think about property reflects deep-seated cultural assumptions and values, and that these assumptions can sometimes be in tension with each other. For example, we may believe simultaneously that property rights should be absolute and that they should be subject to certain social obligations, such as protecting the environment or promoting equality.

The book offers a comprehensive overview of property law in the United States, from the colonial era to the present day. Singer traces how property rights have been shaped by a range of factors, including the rise of capitalism, the expansion of government regulation, and the struggles of marginalized communities to claim their own rights to property. He also explores the role that property plays in shaping the way we think about our own identities and relationships to others.

While "Entitlement" takes a critical approach to property, Singer ultimately argues that property rights can and should be used as a tool for promoting social justice and protecting the common good. He suggests that we might reclaim the concept of "entitlement" from the narrow, individualistic definitions that often limit our thinking about property, and instead use it to build a more inclusive and equitable society. By doing so, Singer suggests, we can begin to move beyond the paradoxes of property and toward a more just and sustainable future.