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I suscribe to Walter Blocks explanation of libertarianism:
Quote:
In my view, libertarianism is not at all a philosophy of life. Rather, it is a very, very, very limited philosophy. It pretty much asks only one question: “when is violence against another person justified?” and pretty much gives only one answer: “only in response to a prior use of violence, or threats.” That is, violence may properly be used only in defense, not offense. When the latter is engaged in, the perpetrator should be punished. That’s libertarianism in a nutshell, at least the way I see it.
In contrast, in sharp contrast, are questions like, “Should I get drunk tonight?” “Should I play checkers or chess?” “Who was the greatest composer of all time; Mozart or Bach?” “Should I stay in school, or get a job.” “Should I discriminate on the basis of race or sex?” “Should I hate short people?” These are all questions that a philosophy of life would answer. Libertarianism has not a single solitary thing to say about any of them. ANY of them. Because none of them are relevant to the usage of violence or threats.
Some of my most liberal friends are libertarian and none of my most conservative friends are libertarian but interestingly enough -- as shown in this thread --- most of us assume libertarians are more conservative/Republican.
Here & elsewhere I've discussed critical & creative thinking skils/strategies/techniques many many times (if doubtful, search my posts using keywords).
When you hear that someone is a Libertarian, do you think anything particular about the person--and anything particularly good or bad? Or are there so few Libertarians out there that you think nothing of it?
For example, what if you child was dating someone and your child told you that the person is a Libertarian? Or you saw that a regular acquaintance who you don't know well has a Libertarian bumper sticker?
Thanks.
I have extremist associations with the word Libertarian. However, I also feel that there is tremendous intellectual thought underpinning libertarian economic policy. There's a consistency to their positions that I greatly admire, and libertarians appear to me to come by their principles honestly. I can't say the same for the alt-right, and traditional Republicans.
I would love to see a long debate or article series between a libertarian economist and a Keynesian economist, where we can observe their respective theories completely fleshed out. It's unfortunate that us Americans have to work hard to find this information. There simply isn't a market for true, honest intellectual debate in today's times.
Here & elsewhere I've discussed critical & creative thinking skils/strategies/techniques many many times (if doubtful, search my posts using keywords).
I suppose then that you think your logic correct and that is your benchmark so anyone outside of that is using distorted logic.
That is the problem that most people have. They think they are right and everyone else is wrong who does not agree with them.
How do I force others people to pay for my compassions which I am not willing to pay for?
Do you defend taxation as something other than what it is - robbery under actual violence or threat thereof - as a necessary component to "things getting done?" Do you defend an entity having powers/rights no individual has (like initiating force on others, theft, murder, etc) and cannot possibly delegate, as a necessary component to "things getting done?"
If the answer to either of those is yes, then that's how you force others to pay for compassion.
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