Abstract
The non-aggression principle (NAP) is in my view one of the most important elements of the libertarian philosophy, and my contribution to this festschrift is to defend it against an unwarranted and unjustified attack. This comes from, of all people, philosophy professor Michael Huemer, of the University of Colorado. He is a staunch libertarian and has made numerous and important contributions to this political-economic philosophy, but this is not one of them. He fails to accurately understand the NAP; he does not cite any libertarian on this matter (Ayn Rand does not count; she explicitly disavowed libertarianism, calling exponents of it “hippies of the right.”). Huemer also misunderstands the libertarian view of contract, promises and slander and libel, trespass, hurt, harm, permissibility, and criminal behavior.
I had the honor and privilege of meeting Jesús Huerta de Soto at the conference on Austrian economics which took place in Salamanca, Spain, October 21–24, 2009. I had of course before that read many of his splendid contributions to Austro-libertarian theory, so meeting him in person was an added delight. A powerful speaker, a kindly gentleman, a quick thinker, his persona fully lived up to his magnificent written publications.
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Notes
- 1.
In the view of Rothbard (1998, p. 88, fn. 6): “It should be evident that our theory of proportional punishment—that people may be punished by losing their rights to the extent that they have invaded the rights of others—is frankly a retributive theory of punishment, a ‘tooth (or two teeth) for a tooth’ theory. Retribution is in bad repute among philosophers, who generally dismiss the concept quickly as ‘primitive’ or ‘barbaric’ and then race on to a discussion of the two other major theories of punishment: deterrence and rehabilitation. But simply to dismiss a concept as ‘barbaric’ can hardly suffice; after all, it is possible that in this case, the ‘barbarians’ hit on a concept that was superior to the more modern creeds.” For more on this see Block (2009a, b), Kinsella (1996, 1997), Olson (1979), Rothbard (1977, 1998), Whitehead and Block (2003).
- 2.
This applies to all examples offered by Huemer, so I will not mention it anymore.
- 3.
The other is private property rights based on initial homesteading and subsequent voluntary acts such as trade, gifts, gambling.
- 4.
Well, let me content myself by saying that his understanding of this philosophy is incompatible with mine.
- 5.
For an exception see Block (2014).
- 6.
It is “permissible” for me to scratch my nose; no one can properly sue me for doing so.
- 7.
In Block (2009b) I offer the following similar case. The “libertarian concentration camp guard” saves lives of inmates. He is a hero, since he saved the lives of innocent people. But he is nevertheless a murderer.
References
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Block, W. (2023). Defending Absolutist Libertarianism. In: Howden, D., Bagus, P. (eds) The Emergence of a Tradition: Essays in Honor of Jesús Huerta de Soto, Volume II. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-17418-6_5
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