Property and human flourishing, Alexander, Gregory S. (a. Robert Noll Professor Of Law, Cornell University Law School)

Rather than identifying any single moral value, this book argues that human flourishing, understood as morally pluralistic and objective, is propertys moral foundation. The book goes on to develop a theory that connects ownership and human flourishing with obligations. Owners have obligations to
members of the communities that enabled the owners to live flourishing lives by cultivating in their community members certain capabilities that are essential to leading a well-lived life. These obligations are rooted in the interdependence that exists between owners and their community members, and
inherent in the human condition.

Obligations have always been inherent in ownership. Owners are not free to inflict nuisances upon their neighbors, for example, by operating piggeries in residential neighborhoods. The human flourishing theory explains why owners at times have obligations that enable their fellow community members
to develop certain necessary capabilities, such as health care and security. This is why, for example, farm owners may be required to allow providers of health care and legal assistance to enter their property to assist employees who are migrant workers.