Arguments in support of and against a non – interventionist state:
The following arguments may be presented in support of non – interventionist state:
1. Scientific argument:
Herbert Spencer, while invoking the concepts of life sciences, supports noninterventionism. According to him, in the struggle of life, people who are able move ahead and those who are incapable and weak get eliminated. It is a rule of nature and it should be applied to the society. And this can be applied in the society only when an individual is left independent. According to this principle, a state should provide opportunity to every individual to develop or his own according to his discretion.
2. Economic argument:
According to the economists, such as Adam Smith, Thomas Malthus, Ricardo and Mill, etc. every individual understands in a perfect way his loss and profit. For economic development, there should be no control of a state in economic field. With the intervention of a state, zeal and motivation of an individual gets weakened, therefore, government should adopt the policy of non – interventionism in industry and business field.
3. Moral argument:
It is the moral argument in support of individualism that every individual has his own personality and distinct characteristics. Hence, it is the responsibility of the state to allow every individual to develop in his own way.
4. Practical argument:
Workforce and expertise of a state is not better than individual workforce and expertise, and hence, benefit should be drawn by the development of expertise of an individual.
Argument against non – interventionist state:
The following arguments can be presented against a non – interventionist state:
1. State is a welfare institution:
All the countries have made development through a state. Today, states are undertaking various activities in various fields for the welfare of their people. In this situation, a state seems to be a welfare institution instead of being an evil.
2. State and freedom are not mutually opposite:
Those who believe in the concept of non-interventionism, think that state and freedom are mutually contrary. But it is an accepted principle that the purpose of the state is to establish coordination between different people and classes for their interests, so that society as a whole moves ahead on the path of progress.
3. An individual is not always the best judge of his interests:
An individual cannot always understand properly his interests and also he does not have the capability of understanding what is right and what is wrong for him. Hence, the state should pay heed to his well-being .
4. Reform of a state is possible:
Because of widening of scope of a state, it gets infested with certain evils, such as imperfect, prodigal, corrupt bureaucratic system and also dominance of bureaucracy. But these evils can be eradicated and necessary reforms can be made. On several instances, a state renders welfare works despite suffering losses.
5. Defective concept of living science:
The logical individualistic concepts of life science cannot be applied to people. A man, contrary to an animal, is a living being who understands human responsibilities and moral duties. It is his duty to serve and help those who are weak and helpless.
