From the monthly archives: December 2011

Some theses

By On December 31, 2011 · 15 Comments · In Libertarianism

1) Libertarianism (like the liberalism of which it is a subset) is, as such, best understood as a political doctrine, not a comprehensive account of the good life and a desirable social order. Indeed, libertarianism is perhaps even more necessarily a political doctrine than is the kind of liberalism defended by John Rawls in Political [...]

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Libertarianism and Morality

By On December 31, 2011 · 22 Comments · In Academic Philosophy, Libertarianism, Rights Theory

I intend these comments as a friendly amendment to Matt’s thoughtful post.

What implications, if any, does adherence to a political libertarian principle have for other moral issues?

The libertarian principle (LP) is a view about the morality of state coercion.  LP defines the set of legal prohibitions that are morally acceptable. For [...]

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Libertarianism: Thick and Thin

By On December 28, 2011 · 122 Comments · In Current Events, Libertarianism

A few months back, there arose a bit of a kerfuffle in the libertarian blogosphere over David Gordon’s review of Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch’s Declaration of Independents. For those who haven’t read it, that book is something of a freewheeling celebration of the spirit of liberty and [...]

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The Rhyme of the Libertarian Binaries

By On December 27, 2011 · 12 Comments · In Libertarianism

Nothing like a little doggerel to fill the space between Christmas and New Year’s. Thanks to Lynne Kiesling for the inspiration and Sarah Skwire for her poet’s expert eye.

Author’s disclaimer: I do not exempt myself from what follows.

 

The Rhyme of the Libertarian Binaries

Come gather at the fire we burn
To [...]

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Licensing Parents

By On December 27, 2011 · 157 Comments · In Libertarianism, Social Justice

As a libertarian, I generally oppose the state interference that is licensing. In most cases of professional (or occupational) licensing programs, I see no benefit that warrants state interference. I am not claiming that there are no such programs (programs to license airplane pilots may be such).

Two qualifiers:
1. By “licensing program” I [...]

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How Did We Get Here? Or, Why Do 20 Year Old Newsletters Matter So Damn Much?

By On December 23, 2011 · 255 Comments · In Current Events, Left-libertarianism, Libertarianism

As some of you might know, I’ve been stirring up quite a bit of trouble on Facebook the last few days discussing the Ron Paul newsletters story.  Matt suggested I write up some of what I’ve been saying for the audience here at BHL, which I’m happy to do.   First let me note that the [...]

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Ron Paul continued

By On December 23, 2011 · 41 Comments · In Current Events, Libertarianism

In my first post here, I wrote that among my reasons for embracing a liberal kind of libertarianism and wanting to publicly emphasize libertarianism’s liberal-ness is

the great importance, in America in particular, of sharply distinguishing the cause of freedom from the cause of slavery which is happy to claim its name.  The [...]

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What about Ron Paul?

By On December 21, 2011 · 54 Comments · In Current Events, Left-libertarianism, Social Justice

If you say you’re against the state these days, someone’s sure to ask you how your views parallel Ron Paul’s. The frequency of these sorts of conversations seem likely to increase if poll wizard Nate Silver is right that the Texas Representative will win in the Iowa Republican caucus.

I’m sitting out this year’s electoral [...]

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The Morality of Occupying Private Property

By On December 21, 2011 · 25 Comments · In Current Events, Libertarianism

So as the Occupy movement switches tactics to occupy foreclosed homes, I pose the following questions for my colleagues here at BHL and the commentariat:

1. Given that many of those homes are the property of the very same banks who were bailed out with their/our tax dollars, is there any reason to object to [...]

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Why I am a Bleeding Heart Ideal Libertarian

By On December 20, 2011 · 9 Comments · In Academic Philosophy, Libertarianism, Social Justice

I thought I would throw my 2 cents into the current discussion since my view seems to be different than those who have posted so far.

I have to first say something about how I think political philosophy should be done. On this score, I should admit, I am old-fashioned. I believe that one must [...]

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