Philosophy Libertarian

An unimpeachable classic work in political philosophy, intellectual and cultural history, and economics, The Road to Serfdom has inspired and infuriated politicians, scholars, and the public for half a century. Originally published in 1944 - when Eleanor Roosevelt supported the efforts of Stalin, and Albert Einstein subscribed lock, stock, and barrel to the socialist program - The Road to Serfdom was seen as heretical for its passionate warning against the dangers of state control over the means of production.

Modern libertarianism began with Friedrich Hayek’s admirable corrective to the Depression-era vogue for central economic planning. It resisted oppressive state power. It showed how capitalism could improve life for everyone. Yet today, it’s a toxic blend of anarchism, disdain for the weak, and rationalization for environmental catastrophe. Andrew Koppelman’s book traces libertarianism’s evolution from Hayek’s moderate pro-market ideas to the romantic fabulism of Murray Rothbard, Robert Nozick, and Ayn Rand, and Charles Koch’s promotion of climate change denial.

David Boaz presents the essential guidebook to the libertarian perspective, detailing its roots, central tenets, solutions to contemporary policy dilemmas, and future in American politics. He confronts head-on the tough questions frequently posed to libertarians: What about inequality? Who protects the environment? What ties people together if they are essentially self-interested?

"A Plea for Voluntaryism" by Auberon Herbert is a passionate advocacy for a society based entirely on voluntary cooperation and free association, without any form of coercion or compulsion. Herbert argues that all human interactions, whether economic, social, or political, should be based on mutual consent and voluntary agreements among individuals. He critiques the use of state force and intervention, asserting that such actions violate individual liberty and hinder genuine progress and prosperity.

Historically, Americans have seen libertarians as far outside the mainstream, but with the rise of the Tea Party movement, libertarian principles have risen to the forefront of Republican politics. But libertarianism is more than the philosophy of individual freedom and unfettered markets that Republicans have embraced. Indeed, as Jason Brennan points out, libertarianism is a quite different - and far richer - system of thought than most of us suspect. In this timely new entry in Oxford's acclaimed series What Everyone Needs to Know, Brennan offers a nuanced portrait of libertarianism.

Essays spanning three decades—reflective yet contemporary, philosophical and practical—address human nature and environmental ethics; personal and metapolitical intention; radical insight and live freedom in thought, emotion and action. While it might be said that everything pre-2020 is irrelevant in the light of our global paradigm shift, it is important to recognize both the long history of our present oppression, and the more ancient tradition of positive human spirit ever capable of rising to the challenge, to assert the primacy of our fundamental values and aspirations.

Americans are becoming ever more disillusioned with the two traditional political parties. Both seem to offer more of the same: more spending, more war, more bailouts for big businesses, more control over people's lives. That's why more people than ever are taking a look at libertarianism. But what does that mean? Attorney and law professor Jacob H. Huebert explains in Libertarianism Today, an engaging introduction to the libertarian movement's ideas and people.

In the lazy summer days of 2007, the world appeared to be getting its groove back. Few, if any, were the signs pointing to the financial catastrophe that was about to unfold. Yet despite the feeling of relative calm and optimism, it was clear that a permanent change was occurring at the very base of society. The Subtle Change from Principles to Rules explores this change and its implications.

Fierce independence and a leave-me-alone attitude define the modern Libertarian and party. This does not make for good politics, where coordination and national momentum is crucial. This book outlines a practical libertarianism that can coexist with the two other national parties. We can find a common, central philosophy that will capture the drive of an election-winning majority of "We the People".