American Libertarianism - Theory, Practice, Critique 4219-SF116-A

From a scholarly perspective, libertarianism may be considered one of the most intellectually intriguing contemporary ideologies.

On the one hand, it is well rooted in an extensive and elaborated tradition of liberal political philosophy. Its internal consistency and logicality seem quite exceptional (at least, within the framework of what followers of a given current see as “the right” or “proper” version of libertarianism). It is represented on various levels of theoretical advancement, including serious philosophical works (like R. Nozick’s Anarchy, State, and Utopia), numerous introductions and monographs for wider audiences (D. Boaz, Libertarianism: A Primer) as well as countless publications and websites popularizing the libertarian agenda on the most basic level.

On the other hand, real-life impact and political influence of libertarian ideas is rather disappointing for their supporters. Libertarian movement is apparently affected and weakened by curious sectarianism and ideological rigidity. It seems to be more of a promise of the solution of a wide range of social and economic problems rather than an actual, politically feasible solution itself.

The course, exploring these ambiguities, adopts a definitely non-sectarian and all-encompassing approach to libertarianism. It takes into account various currents within American libertarianism, both anarchist and minarchist, conservative and leftist. It considers Ayn Rand’s objectivism as an important current within this tradition, even if it is only partially compatible with other variants of libertarian philosophy.

Even though the libertarian ideas originated in Europe, the U.S. eventually became the most fertile ground for their further development and these were clearly American experiences (Great Depression, New Deal) that greatly contributed to the emergence of modern libertarian movement. For some libertarians two last decades of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century (till 1914) in America seem to be their lost Golden Age.

The course, consisting of three major parts, starts with explanations regarding the origins of libertarian philosophy as well as relations between classical liberalism and libertarianism. Then, various currents of libertarian thought are reconstructed and discussed, including anarcho-capitalism of M. Rothbard, objectivism of A. Rand and R. Nozick’s theory of the state and justice.

The second part of the course deals with practical political realization of libertarian agenda in politics, economy and law.

The third part is devoted to various critiques of libertarianism.

Classes:

WEEK ONE: Organization of the course. Introduction: Origins and significance of American libertarianism.
WEEK TWO: Liberal roots of libertarianism: J. Locke’s political philosophy, A. Smith’s moral philosophy and political economy.
WEEK THREE: The rise of American libertarianism - historical and economic circumstances. The impact of the Austrian School of Economics.
WEEK FOUR: Anarcho-capitalist thought of Murray N. Rothbard.
WEEK FIVE: Ayn Rand’s philosophy of objectivism.
WEEK SIX: Robert Nozick’s understanding of the state and justice.
WEEK SEVEN: Comparative summary of major libertarian theories - class debate.
WEEK EIGHT: Conservative vs. left-wing libertarianism in the U.S.
WEEK NINE: Libertarian political practice - the Libertarian Party.
WEEK TEN: Libertarian political practice - the phenomenon of the Tea Party movement.
WEEK ELEVEN: Case studies: limiting the government, deregulation, security, foreign affairs.
WEEK TWELVE: Critiques of American libertarianism.
WEEK THIRTEEN: Critiques of American libertarianism - continued.
WEEK FOURTEEN: Summary and the final exam.