“Between liberty and equality, there can be but little fraternity.” (Montesquieu, correspondence with Voltaire)* I’d like to follow up on our previous discussion of Libertarianism, as a way of getting clearer on the position I was tentatively putting forward there. Well, it’s still somewhat tentative, but I’ll go for it. Let’s start with some common … Continue reading Liberty and Equality
Tag: political philosophy
Arizona, Gay Rights, and the Unhappy Marriage of Libertarianism and Conservatism (or, why saying “I’m a libertarian” doesn’t give you a free pass)
Libertarianism, just as much as "social conservativism" poses a danger for minority rights of all kinds. If you support the cause of gay marriage, anti-Jim Crow civil rights, etc., you should not be a libertarian. If you think homophobic laws are wrong, you should also think economically unequal social arrangements are just as bad. I'll … Continue reading Arizona, Gay Rights, and the Unhappy Marriage of Libertarianism and Conservatism (or, why saying “I’m a libertarian” doesn’t give you a free pass)
On Nozick, On Williams
Bernard Williams and Robert Nozick are two philosophers I really enjoy reading. Seeing one directly address the other in print is strangely amusing, like finding out that two good friends you had met at different places and times in your life actually know each other (I had assumed, I suppose, that although Williams and Nozick … Continue reading On Nozick, On Williams
Temkin on Inequality
The subject of this post--the first in a series on philosophical discussions of equality and inequality--is a fascinating essay ("Inequality") by the philosopher Larry Temkin. Here's Temkin in all his brainy glory: I had heard of Temkin before--I knew him by reputation as a very good ethical and political philosopher--but I had never read any … Continue reading Temkin on Inequality
Drugs, Liberty and Justice
After yesterday's post I wanted to flesh out the consequences of my argument more specifically for the context in which it arose - an argument about drug legalization. I won't do much more work here to defend justice over libertarianism per se (we're arguing about that on the other thread). That's not because I think I've … Continue reading Drugs, Liberty and Justice
Why Libertarianism is Dangerous
Over the past week or so, I've had a running good-natured argument on facebook about drug legalization - a friend has been arguing that (among other things) marijuana use shouldn't be restricted by the government, because it's an individual's right to use it if they want. I've been arguing that "individual rights" isn't the best … Continue reading Why Libertarianism is Dangerous
Original Positions 