Discussion Project “For No Other Purpose than the Public Good”

Locke insists that government is formed for certain specific and limited purposes, chiefly to protect the lives, liberty, and property of the citizens. But he does not make very clear what is included in the scope of these purposes. Government is constituted to promote the public good and not the private goods of individuals. But what should be included in the category of public goods? Milton Friedman argues that only a very few of the many things our government currently does are really necessary and appropriate public functions.

Assume that you agree with Locke that government should act only for the public good. Discuss and try to agree on a list of proper functions of government.

You might consider the items on Milton Friedman’s list (Dogmas and Dreams, pp.110-11).  Friedman claims that these are all illegitimate, that is, they are things that government should not do.  Do you agree?  [Note:  Friedman was writing in 1962, before the passage of Medicare and Medicaid.  Doubtless, he would include the public provision of health care as another item on his list of things we shouldn’t be doing.]