John Locke, David Hume and William Blackstone all agree that protecting private property was the reason for the existence of society and property rights were one of society’s greatest blessings.

John Locke, David Hume and William Blackstone all agree that protecting private property was the reason for the existence of society and property rights were one of society’s greatest blessings. For Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Karl Marx and Henry George societal protection of private property allowed exploitation of the many for the benefit of an unproductive few.

For three of these theorists, describe their analysis of private property.  Discuss how opponents responded to that analysis. Also, compare the three theorists you choose. Which theorist makes the strongest case for his main point?