: The solution, for me, lies in recognizing that there are things more important than this kind of freedom, such as the right of everyone, homeless or not, to decent food and shelter. But if you leave such equalitarian considerations out of it, how is a decision to be made?Just as a qick comment that may be glaringly innaccurate...
I believe that libertarians (as they are so fond of calling themselves) argue that in all matters questions of utility are to be decisive. Now, utility is a question of efficiency and at best can be supported or denied on an empirical basis. As a general rule, they are not a safe bedrock to build a theory on.
It is important to remember that questions of efficiency are only one of many questions that need to be considered. There are other relevant reasons that one can use as justification for a certain action besides that it is efficient. For instance one could argue that as a question of equality it is relevant that all people be given equal amounts of food and shelter.
None.
