September 1, 2003
Authors:
Benjamin Powell
Christopher Coyne
This paper has considered two accounts of the evolution from a state of nature to a social order that allows for interaction and exchange. Both accounts begin with pessimistic assumptions about individuals in the absence of a central government. In both cases, the authors conclude that the state, with a monopoly on force, is in the interest of all in society.
Read the article at the Journal of Libertarian Studies [1].