Chapter 5: Privacy

It's very interesting that there are basically two opinions on privacy. One is that we have a natural right to privacy. The second is that we as a people do not have the natural right to privacy like we have natural right to life, liberty, and the right to own land. What makes the issue of privacy even more interesting is that philosophers struggle to define it. I think this stems from the debate of privacy being a natural right or not. One thing is for certain, privacy is not a "black and white" issue. It's complex because there are many benefits for individuals and society when privacy is exercised. On the contrary, there are benefits to society when individual privacy is not exercised. I feel that the bottom line is all individuals have the natural right to privacy, but personal privacy does need impede the benefit of society. One good example of my opinion is the wiretapping done by the FBI during the Hoover years. Did it go too far at times labeling individuals? Yes it did, but I feel it was a greater benefit to society.