What Libetarianism Is Hospers

Current Libertarian proponents Hospers, John first to run for president as a libertarian (1972?) Academic (Philosopher) Current Libertarian proponents Ron Paul, Bob Barr

Some others ways of saying the same thing: Main Libertarian Thesis:  “…every person is the owner of his own life and that no one is the owner of anyone else’s life; and that consequently every human being has the right to act in accordance with his own choices, unless those actions infringe on the equal liberty of other human beings to act in accordance with their choices.”  Some others ways of saying the same thing: 1) No one is anyone else’s master, and no one is anyone else’s slave Slavery is a non-consensual state, and as such is impermissible unto Lib. 2) No human being should be a nonvoluntary mortgage on the life of another This is essentially criticizing the pooling of wealth 3) Other men’s lives are not yours to dispose of Opera example.  Suppose you like opera, but others don’t. You can’t “coerce” others to a) like opera and b) put their resources into making/promoting opera. Even if it’s better for people to be cultured and go to the opera, I have no authority to force people to go to the opera or do anything that I perceive to be in their interests. Notice: Does not mean that Charity is Superogatory – it might be obligatory – but neither you nor the state has the right to force anyone to give, that would infringe on a higher right. You would have to convince them that was the case

Our 3 Fundamental Rights A right is a claim against or towards someone that they either refrain from doing something to me (negative right) or provide some service to me (positive right).  Hospers is mostly focused on these negative rights Hierarchy of Rights 1) Life 2) Liberty 3) Property The right are ordered. So, right to life is more important than right to liberty. If someone is about to get hit by a bus (i.e. their life is in danger), then you have the right to push them out of the way (i.e. take away their right to liberty), but not vice versa.

Force Rights are violated only by the use of force Force is behavior that requires the unwilling involvement of other persons. So it’s not just physical.  It’s doing anything to you, or what you have a right to, that you don’t want me to do.  The role of government should be limited to the retaliatory use of force against those who have initiated its use The primary function of Government should be to protect the 3 fundamental human rights.

Laws There are 3 classes of laws. Laws protecting individuals against themselves (against sexual crimes, alcohol, drugs) Laws protecting individuals against transgressions by other individuals (e.g. murder, robbery, fraud) Laws requiring people help one another (e.g charity) Libertarians reject class 1 and class 3 Class 1:  Why? So long as we are rational, consenting beings whose behavior causes no harm to others, the government shouldn’t interfere. Stats about drugs Class 2:  Why? Moral cannibalism—such laws encourage some to live of the work of others.  Of course, some people may want to help others, but the government shouldn’t FORCE this. People won’t starve.

Some Laws that Violate Property Rights Only defensive wars No preemptive wars, or ideological wars Against Gun Laws Against Corporation Bailout Risky practices Irresponsible – not attentive to safety issues Against bailing out homeowners whose houses has been foreclosed Against Universal Healthcare Against Legalization of Drugs (of any kind) Nothing wrong with having stores for marijuana, cocaine, etc.

The Side Effects According to libertarianism, the primary reason against taxation or any kind of wealth distribution schemes is violation of the right to property Setting that aside, libertarians also think that wealth distribution does not result in betterment of mankind. The two main side effects of liberalism or egalitarianism are: Loss of incentive Lack of Responsibility Individuals in a libertarian society are more motivated and more responsible

Loss of Hope and Incentive Result of distributive schemes (liberalism, egalitarianism) is loss of hope and incentive If people are given handouts they will be less motivated to work for what they own

Responsibility Only by giving freedom to individuals, and holding them responsible when they fail, can they start to live properly i.e. make plans for the future Property rights are what makes long term planning possible – the kind of activity distinctive of humans as opposed to impulsive day-by-day activity Absolute Right to property is necessary for this to be achieved E.g. think of freeloading friends, corporations relying on bailouts