Saturday, April 07, 2007

Kekes Critiques...

Libertarianism:

Lovers of liberty live in this society, must be aware of the facts I have cited, and care about our future. How, then, could they not be alarmed by these facts? They are not because they have made two amazingly simple-minded assumptions about human psychology. Only if these assumptions were true would it be reasonable to follow Mill's principle and not to see the abusers of liberty as a threat. The first assumption is that it is possible and desirable for us to be free of personal and social interference with our liberty. The second assumption is that we are basically reasonable and naturally disposed to guard our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being; that if our liberty were guaranteed, most of us would live happily and productively. Both these assumptions are badly mistaken. Since Mill's principle rests on them, the principle is also mistaken.

It's a long article, but if any libertarians would want to read it and feedback in the comment section, I'd appreciate it.

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