Alienability: rejoinder to Kuflik

Purpose – The purpose of writing this paper is to defend the doctrine of commodification, or alienability: that there are no exceptions to the principle that all things that are owned may be legally sold. Design/methodology/approach – The approach of this paper is to consider arguments to the contrary, mainly those, in this case, furnished by Kuflik, and then to refute these arguments. Findings – The conclusion of this paper is that socialism, the view that purchases and sales, markets, free enterprise, is unjustified, is mistaken. Non-alienability is part and parcel of the critique of markets. To the extent it is countered, markets are strengthened. Research limitations/implications – Future research would probe more deeply into anti-market arguments. Practical implications – The practical implications is that the law should legalize markets in body parts, and, more radically, should recognize voluntary slave contracts. Originality/value – This is virtually an entirely original paper, in that there are only a very few publications that defend complete alienability, such as does this one.