Libertarianism

From Gothpoodle

These are socioeconomic philosophies based on the primacy of individual rights and responsibilities. They hold that the only agreements that should bind an individual are those contracts into which he freely enters, and that unregulated economic activity in a society that cherishes both personal freedom and individual property rights will lead to an efficient economy and greater prosperity. They differ from traditional conservatives and modern liberal democrats in advocating both fiscal and personal freedom. If someone’s actions don’t harm others, then he should be free to do as he likes. They disapprove of taxing people to pay for social welfare, but believe that a free, untaxed economy will create plenty of jobs, with wealth left over for charity and freedom to move to where work can be found.

There are various contending schools of thought in this tradition. Two that are gaining popularity in 2100 are:

Minarchists believe that the largest justified government is one that is limited to protection of individuals and their private property against physical invasion; government should provide police, a constitution, courts, and national defense only. Minarchists are a growing “third party” in the United States, and have held power in Australia and in the Union of Alberta and British Columbia.

Anarchocapitalists believe that any government is too much government. Security and court services can be offered in the marketplace by competitive firms. Laws develop through custom, precedent, and contracts (much as the British legal system did). Private police and judges negotiate agreements in advance to prevent arrests turning into warfare. Silas Duncan Station and several other Duncanite stations are functional anarchocapitalist societies.

See also Nanarchy.