What kind of libertarian are you?

[guitarlifter]

What I mean is, on what grounds do you found your libertarian views? The only four I could think of are as follows: utilitarianism, deontology (not through religion), ethical egoism, and theology (which could be considered a deontological approach).

Let me very briefly break down each type of libertarian. Utilitarian libertarians believe in the ultimate respect of rights because they believe it leads to the ultimate happiness. Deontoligical libertarians believe that rights occur naturally and are inalienable, and it is around this basic principle of rights to life, liberty and property that we are to act. I read an article that mentions Ayn Rand's ethical egoism as a way of justifying libertarian beliefs, but I am not 100% sure on how to describe it, so I'll merely mention it and leave the rest up to you on that one. Finally, we have theological libertarians, or those who derive their libertarian beliefs from scripture or religion.

If I missed any prominent foundations of libertarianism, then let me know. Thanks, and maybe this will show how we spread. I predict that most will choose either the deontology or theology choices, but I guess we'll see. Non-libertarians need not apply. I strongly urge anyone who votes to elaborate upon their vote especially if they choose more than one philosophy. Thanks.

 

[doodle]

I don't really understand meaning of first three terms. So I'll just say I'm plain libertarian on domestic policies and a non-curser libertarian on foreign policy.

 

[Anti Federalist]

What kind of libertarian are you?

A tired one.

God, I don't know how Ron has managed all these years.

 

[headhawg7]

A tired one.

God, I don't know how Ron has managed all these years.

I second that!!

 

[Soldier of Liberty]

Self described Christian Libertarian.


SOL

 

[realtonygoodwin]

I am a libertarian because I am a Constitutionalist, and I believe the Constitution clearly shows we are supposed to have a libertarian form of government... I want a smaller government because I am a Christian, because I fear the day is coming when Christians will become an oppressed, persecuted, even hunted, group. However, that is not really affected by my theology, as far as I know.

In short, I don't know how to vote.

 

[AndrewD]

Ethical egoism. I don't know what any of 'em damn mean. But I got a few ethics, and a HUGE ego. So that about sums it up.

 

[Sola_Fide]

Christian libertarian.

The Bible teaches private property, free markets, private charity, sound money, war only in defense, and that we are free men in Christ and no earthly institution can lay a claim on us.

Taxes are theft. Debasement is theft. They are evil. God owns this earth, we are stewards. Governments own nothing.

The concept of nullification (interposition) comes from Calvinism...limited government in the West itself comes out of the Reformation.

My spiritual fathers are the Scottish Covenanters, the French Huguenots, the Patriot Preachers of the Black Regiment, the Puritans like Sam Adams and Patrick Henry who declared, "Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God".

The Bible is the standard for what I believe about politics, therefore I am a libertarian.

 

[hugolp]

Utilitarian. Private property has shown repeteadly like the best form of social organization, far superior to anything that has been tried.

 

[Austrian Econ Disciple]

Natural Law Thomist.

http://mises.org/daily/2426

 

[Austrian Econ Disciple]

Utilitarian. Private property has shown repeteadly like the best form of social organization, far superior to anything that has been tried.

Best for whom? That is the problem with utilitarianism, is that while 'society' would be better off in a libertarian order, some people would be worse off. It gets muddled in the greater good syndrome (This is my main fault with Mises...otherwise a genius). You reason that it is the best form of social organization because the most people are the best off.....while true, doesn't exactly persuade those who would be worse off (potentially). As always though, there is no one size fits all, so while I am a Natural Law Thomist, I still see the merit in using all argumentation to persuade someone to adapt libertarian means and ends (and insofar I believe the Natural Law rightists are a bit more fervant and passionate in their quest to restore lost liberties and freedoms.)

 

[iGGz]

I did eenie meenie mynie moe

 

[hugolp]

Best for whom? That is the problem with utilitarianism, is that while 'society' would be better off in a libertarian order, some people would be worse off. It gets muddled in the greater good syndrome (This is my main fault with Mises...otherwise a genius). You reason that it is the best form of social organization because the most people are the best off.....while true, doesn't exactly persuade those who would be worse off (potentially). As always though, there is no one size fits all, so while I am a Natural Law Thomist, I still see the merit in using all argumentation to persuade someone to adapt libertarian means and ends (and insofar I believe the Natural Law rightists are a bit more fervant and passionate in their quest to restore lost liberties and freedoms.)

I know it opens a big can of worms. But I truly believe there is no other way to prove anything.

 

[AlexMerced]

I would say I'm a philosophical libertarian, because while I do believe that Libertarian have Utilitarian benefits, there are cases where it won't in the short term while it will in the long term (for example roads, it would probably take longer for coordination to occur naturally, but in the long term it'd be more dynamic and sustainable)

Although Utility isn't a sufficient reason, cause Utilitarianism can be used to justify some horrible stuff, although here are couple of ther reason Libertarianism works for me...

- The Pretense of Knowledge - While Hayek wasn't quite Libertarian himself, he was dead on that it is impossible and pretentious to believe we can gather and even process enough information to accurately plan society so thus it makes sense to leave to individuals to solve simple problems and for emergent orders to solve larger problems that make up the overly abstract and complex macro problems.

- Self-Actualization - Hegelian philosophy is a lot about conflict and change, and I believe that by serving the state, a state/society conflict will arise that will cause society to finally break from the state and be independant (kinda like when a child becomes an adult and is self actualized, a very hegelian relationship) so Libertarianism philosophically is society becoming self-actualized.

- Creativity - Innovation and Creativity I do believe is a driver of human progress, and free society where barriers philosophically and legally are minimal leads to less social barriers of the mind allowing for creativity (See Creatarianism at Creatarian.com)

- Diversity - Like evolution with species, improvements come from having a diverse array of possibilities and seeing which ones stand the test of time and adapt to changing environments. Only in a libertarian environment is diverse arrangements allowed to truly allow institutions to develop and advance. (See Diversatarianism at Diversatarian.com)

 

[pcosmar]

What I mean is, on what grounds do you found your libertarian views?

Enlightened Self Interest and Common Sense.

 

[stuntman stoll]

I picked theology (I'm a christian, and you can't be a follower of Jesus' teachings without being a volentaryist) but on second thought it should be all of the above. That's the beauty of libertarianism; with using logic, you will come to the right conclusion no matter what your objective.

 

[Xenophage]

Ethical Egoist. Objectivism ftw.

 

[Xenophage]

It's always heartening to see so many people embrace liberty from different philosophical origins. I'm beyond passionate about freedom, and I'd like to see it achieved within my lifetime!

 

[pcosmar]

I know it opens a big can of worms. But I truly believe there is no other way to prove anything.

I had never really defined it before I came here and found there was a name for it.

It comes down to Liberty, for whatever reasons one might have for embracing it.

I really don't get into the purity tests. Seems like "I love Liberty more than you Cuz"

Phfft !

 

[Philhelm]

A tired one.

God, I don't know how Ron has managed all these years.

I was going to say an angry one, but your answer works too.