Can Anyone at the Same Time Be Both an Anarcho-Capitalist and a Minarchist? No.

—–Original Message—–
From: Mark:
Mon 10/10/2016 7:44 AM
To: Walter Block
Subject: Important Question

Hi Walter, I have been thinking about this question – why can’t I be both a minarchist and an anarcho-capitalist? As I recall, he elaborated on the question, noting that many people reject libertarianism so why can’t they practice what they believe in? Why does everyone have to be poured into the libertarian mould? Why can’t some people be anarchists, some minarchists and some even socialists? Who are we to force our ideas on unwilling others? Thanks, Mark

Dear MarK: No one person can be both a minarchist and an anarcho-capitalist at the same time because the two positions are logically incompatible with one another. Similarly, no one person can both support and deny any other claim, such as 2+2=4. It is a violation of the law of non-contradiction to be both a minarchist and an anarcho-capitalist. The former favors a (limited) government, the latter opposes this. However, of course, not every libertarian has to be “poured” into either of these “moulds.” Some libertarians can be minarchists and others can be anarcho-capitalists.

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2:06 pm on October 11, 2016