Tag: Classical Liberalism
How and why the war on drugs has failed
March 21, 2024 | Post
In this article, we’ll dissect the failures of the war on drugs, seeking to uncover the factors that have led to its ultimate downfall, as well as diverse arguments for ending the war on drugs and embracing legalization.
Deirdre McCloskey: ‘The pursuit of freedom has unleashed unprecedented innovation, prosperity, and social transformation’
February 21, 2024 | Post
Deirdre McCloskey, renowned economist and advocate for liberal values, delivered a stirring address at LibertyCon International, captivating attendees with her insights into the importance of liberty in fostering human flourishing and societal progress.
David Boaz: ‘Fight illiberalism and authoritarianism wherever you find it’
February 21, 2024 | Post
At LibertyCon International, David Boaz urged the liberty movement to “fight illiberalism and authoritarianism wherever you find it.”
Join us at LibertyCon Europe in Tbilisi, Georgia!
January 18, 2024 | Post
In Tbilisi, Georgia, a gathering unlike any other is fast approaching! LibertyCon Europe 2024, Students For Liberty’s flagship annual event in Europe and the continent’s largest pro-liberty gathering, is gearing up to be an unmissable experience for friends of liberty across the region and beyond!
Held in the Georgian capital over three days, from April 19-21, LibertyCon Europe 2024 expects a gathering of over 800 attendees and over 30 pro-liberty organizations.
The awkward and uncomfortable problem with national conservatism
January 11, 2024 | Post
The recent surge of national conservatism in the United States has not only highlighted a departure from classical liberal principles but also raised concerns about a fundamental shift away from the values that have long defined American governance.
How (true) liberalism made us rich
January 4, 2024 | Post
Today, a hot shower or a cup of coffee brewed in seconds are completely mundane. A journey across continents taking mere hours is, for many, just a normal part of life. Yet, these marvels would have been the envy of even the most affluent in medieval societies, prior to a period we can refer to as the “Great Enrichment.”
Three pro-liberty perspectives on war
October 31, 2023 | Post
War, a tragic yet perennial facet of human history, has long been a subject of intense debate. Many philosophers and political thinkers have grappled with the ethical, moral, and strategic implications of war. Within this nuanced landscape, the perspectives of three influential thinkers offer a fascinating contrast…
Why freedom matters more than safety
October 9, 2023 | Post
Safety is, of course, to be valued, but some important questions do arise, particularly in the context of our 21st-century challenges: Are we sacrificing too much freedom in the pursuit of safety? Is freedom more important than safety, and if so, why?
What would Adam Smith write about now?
October 6, 2023 | Post
In the pantheon of economic thought, Adam Smith stands as a colossus, a philosopher whose seminal work, The Wealth of Nations, fundamentally shaped our understanding of free markets and the power of individual self-interest to fuel societal progress. But what would he write about today’s issues?
The origins of libertarianism
August 3, 2023 | Post
Within the world of political spectrums, one ideology stands out for its axioms, principles, and ethics: libertarianism. It is a political philosophy based on the idea that the individual is the sole owner of oneself and therefore has the right to exercise their freedom without external interference, as long as it does not harm the freedom of others.
Five books to understand classical liberalism
July 6, 2023 | Post
Ready to dive into the captivating world of classical liberal literature but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re new to the world of classical liberalism or seeking to expand your knowledge, these five books are key to unlocking a deeper appreciation of its core tenets.
The two ideas that made America
July 3, 2023 | Post
The American Revolution: That moment when we declared independence from Great Britain and created an unprecedented new society. While we all know the basic details, most people don’t stop to ask exactly why the Founders declared independence from a powerful empire.
How classical liberalism played a crucial role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights
June 28, 2023 | Post
Classical liberalism, with its emphasis on individual liberties and limited government intervention, has played a crucial role in advancing the rights of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history.
By advocating for principles such as individual liberty, reason, fundamental rights, and equal treatment under the law, classical liberal ideas have challenged societal norms, fought against oppression, and paved the way for greater acceptance and inclusion.
4 things you probably never knew about John Stuart Mill
May 16, 2023 | Post
John Stuart Mill was born 217 years ago, on May 20, 1806, and is remembered as one of the most foundational classical liberal philosophers and political economists to this day. Here are some things that you might not have guessed about John Stuart Mill.
A legacy of liberty: the Portuguese Liberal Revolution of 1820
March 29, 2023 | Post
Many are familiar with Portugal’s Carnation Revolution that brought an end to the authoritarian Estado Novo regime in 1974 and paved the way for democracy. Still, perhaps fewer are aware of the fascinating circumstances around the country’s Liberal Revolution, which took place just over 200 years ago.
Neoliberalism and libertarianism
August 9, 2022 | Post
Neoliberalism and libertarianism share many common principles despite meaning different things to different people. But what is neoliberalism in reality — and how does it relate to classical liberalism and libertarianism?
The Gadsden flag: a historic symbol rooted in classical liberalism
July 29, 2022 | Post
Those who care about the ideas of liberty represented by the Gadsden flag must resist its co-option by forces that are completely at odds with what it stands for. The truth about its classical liberal origins must prevail.
The libertarian position on abortion
July 5, 2022 | Post
What is the libertarian position on abortion? The answer is not so simple. Abortion is a divisive issue in pro-liberty circles: some are staunchly pro-choice while others are staunchly pro-life. Yet, the various libertarian positions on abortion follow a similar moral logic.
Did big government make us rich?
July 11, 2017 | Post
Why are Western countries like the United States and Germany so much richer today than other countries around the world?
Islam and classical liberalism: Are they compatible?
May 7, 2017 | Post
At first glance, classical liberalism and Islam seem to be not just incompatible, but in complete opposition.
What Classical Liberals Get Wrong About Political Science
April 26, 2017 | Post
The current classical liberal interpretation of political science is lacking.
The skeptics are wrong. Religion and classical liberalism can coexist.
April 6, 2017 | Post
Classical liberalism is not specific to any code of morality. In fact, it needs and breeds moral law.
Highlights from our Reddit AMA with Professor Lauren Hall
April 5, 2017 | Post
If you missed the Reddit AMA with Professor Lauren Hall last week, fear not! We’ve taken the liberty of compiling some of the highlights for your viewing pleasure. You can check out the whole thing here. Dr. Hall is associate professor of political science at Rochester Institute of Technology. She is the author of Family and […]
Why classical liberals need a research program
March 28, 2017 | Post
The first task of classical liberalism is to understand social order; normative conclusions must follow and flow from that understanding.