Exploring the History of Natural Rights and Private Property

The chapter examines the evolution of the concept of natural rights with a focus on the right to private property, tracing its roots back to a 14th-century Franciscan controversy about absolute apostolic poverty. It delves into contrasting perspectives on private property from historical figures like William of Ockham, the Pope, Thomas Aquinas, and Hostiensis, discussing its role in social life and moral obligations for the common good.