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.