Is Libertarianism A Philosophy Of Life? No.

—–Original Message—–
From: B
Sent: Sat 10/15/2016 2:22 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Thanks for all your work

Dear Mr. Block,

I just want to thank you for your uncompromising work toward a free
society. I think I’ve read all your work and I continue to read LRC for
your blogs. If nothing else they confirm my anarcho-capitalist views. I
wish I had time to write stuff like this – i might shortly.

We met – although I’m not sure you remember – twice. In 1989 and in 1992.
First time I think in New York and second time possibly in Las Vegas. You
signed my books ;o)

I am from Europe but now live in the US (Texas). I studied with Israel
Kirzner in 1989-90 _New York) and Rothbard (Las Vegas) 1990-91.

I wrote a few papers on the Austrian theory. I wrote a lot of popular news
articles based on the same. In my native language …. Danish. The last 20
years I have just done business but in personal views I never moved.

I have a question in mind though. I have been following LRC for a long
time. A lot of people refers to anarcho-capitalism as a “political
philosophy”. Well to me it’s not only economic or political philosophy but
much more a philosophy of life. Wouldn’t that be more correct.?

Thanks again. B

Dear B: No. 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.

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2:23 pm on December 26, 2018