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Libertarianism

In the early stages of this project, we imagined—then produced—a few episodes dedicated to “A Podcast about Our Podcast.” However, those episodes are “waiting in the bullpen” as we’ve decided to wait and release these “prequels” at a later date.

But, we did go back into the archives and pulled out one of the gems… This is what we had to say about libertarianism (paraphrasing):

Political philosophy has always had a central tension between the rights of the individual versus what the individual “owes” to society. For most of human history, collectivism and tribalism dominated this discussion. The rise of individual rights wasn’t “destined” and humanity can (and does) revert to authoritarianism on many issues and in many times and places.

The best history of the “rise and fall” of theories of individual liberty throughout man’s time on earth that we know of is Gerard Casey’s Freedom’s Progress?: A History of Political Thought.

The question mark carries a lot of meaning in that title. Individual liberty is uncommon. It comes in fits and starts. Most importantly, it should never be taken for granted.

Many brilliant minds have contributed to the growing corpus of libertarian political philosophy, which comes in two very distinct strands, “minarchism” (describing the minimal state) and “anarcho-capitalism” or “voluntaryism” (describing a thriving society completely free from monopolistic government).

Here are a few of our favorites from each:

(You can find links to these books and others at the Natural Order Book Club page.)

Minarchism:

Ron Paul’s The Revolution: A Manifesto – The good doctor’s pitch for liberty during his campaigns for the presidency.

Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged – A powerful and emotional exploration of deep themes regarding the moral and economic case for freedom. A masterpiece.

Robert Nozick’s Anarchy, State, & Utopia – A very thorough and persuasive argument from a well-known and main stream philosopher. Winner of the 1975 National Book Award!

Mary Ruwart’s Healing Our World in an Age of Aggression – If Rand and Paul seem a little too “right-wingy” for your tastes, check out Dr. Ruwart’s classic work, emphasizing the peace and harmony and abundance that spring from libertarianism.

Anarcho-capitalism:

Kris Borer’s The Ethics of Anarcho-Capitalism – A modern “Robinson Crusoe” tale that brilliantly highlights the real-world contexts that give rise to interpersonal conflict – and how anarcho-capitalism ethically solves such conflicts.

Murray Rothbard’s Anatomy of the State – Short and devastatingly powerful. You’ll never look at monopolistic government the same way again.

Murray Rothbard’s For a New Liberty: The Libertarian Manifesto – A classic from “Mr. Libertarian.

Murray Rothbard’s The Ethics of Liberty – A master class in Natural Law theory and libertarianism.

Michael Huemer’s The Problem of Political Authority – A devastating attack (from every conceivable angle) of statism. After reading it, you’re reflexive acquiescence of the existence (and morality) of state power will vanish.

And of course, there are many many more.

Factions in America’s founding:

Are you a Jeffersonian or a Hamiltonian? Never thought about it? Check out this cool debate to help you pick a side. Factionalism is fun!