Difference between revisions of "The Short, Simple Dismissal Of Libertarianism"
From Critiques Of Libertarianism
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[[Category:Mike Huben]] | [[Category:Mike Huben]] | ||
[[Category:Basics|105]] | [[Category:Basics|105]] | ||
| − | {{DES | des = 99% of libertarianism is obviously untrue or | + | {{DES | des = 99% of libertarianism is obviously untrue or unacceptable for none or more of these reasons. | show=}} |
How can we know that so easily? Here are some simple principles that make it obvious (though these problems are not unique to libertarianism.) For brevity and clarity, "many" and "most" are omitted: presume they are there. | How can we know that so easily? Here are some simple principles that make it obvious (though these problems are not unique to libertarianism.) For brevity and clarity, "many" and "most" are omitted: presume they are there. | ||
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# Libertarians use vague glittering generalities of propaganda (terms like "liberty") rather than specifics such as "liberty for A to do B at an uncompensated cost C to D". | # Libertarians use vague glittering generalities of propaganda (terms like "liberty") rather than specifics such as "liberty for A to do B at an uncompensated cost C to D". | ||
# Libertarianism is based on imaginary "natural rights" (including property rights.) Real rights are creations of coercive human institutions such as law. | # Libertarianism is based on imaginary "natural rights" (including property rights.) Real rights are creations of coercive human institutions such as law. | ||
| − | # Or libertarianism is based on utilitarianism which is not only flakey, but can obviously conflict with liberty. | + | # Or libertarianism is based on utilitarianism which is not only flakey, but can obviously conflict with individual liberty. |
# Libertarians ignore the fact that all real rights, including property, are coercive. Non-coercive "rights" are merely moral claims. | # Libertarians ignore the fact that all real rights, including property, are coercive. Non-coercive "rights" are merely moral claims. | ||
# Libertarianism privileges property rights (their "liberty") above all other values, redefining liberty in terms of property. | # Libertarianism privileges property rights (their "liberty") above all other values, redefining liberty in terms of property. | ||
| − | # Libertarian economic arguments are based on multiple, conflicting, unrealistic economic models such as "economic man". | + | # Libertarian economic arguments are based on multiple, conflicting, unrealistic economic models such as "economic man" or "rational" man. |
# Libertarians prefer the feudal property relations of business and markets to democracy. | # Libertarians prefer the feudal property relations of business and markets to democracy. | ||
# Libertarian philosophy is a "one size fits all" procrustean bed that only addresses the desires of economic winners. It doesn't address the human needs of women, children, elderly, incompetent, sick, minorities and others who resent being forced into unjust market competitions. | # Libertarian philosophy is a "one size fits all" procrustean bed that only addresses the desires of economic winners. It doesn't address the human needs of women, children, elderly, incompetent, sick, minorities and others who resent being forced into unjust market competitions. | ||
