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651 sats \ 0 replies \ @SimpleStacker 15h \ parent \ on: The Archipelago econ
Good question. I certainly would agree with Brett Scott that we're not self sufficient as individuals and that we need interdependence in order to survive. But where I'd explain my own leaning towards libertarianism / individualism is more like the following:
  • The individual mind actually does exist. It can be influenced by society, but is still does exist on its own and is capable of forming thoughts contrary to prevailing societal views.
  • Every individual has different preferences and desires
  • No individual can fully know the desires and preferences of another individual
  • The desires and preferences of one individual can and often do run in contrary to those of other individuals
  • Resources for helping individuals achieve their desires are limited
I think these are pretty non-controversial. Next come some moral statements. I'm less confident that I can justify these apart from the existence of some transcendent morality (which I do hold to.)
  • The moral right to property exists. That is, individuals can own resources, and no individual has the right to steal resources owned by another individual.
  • The moral right to life exists. If we consider our biological life as a resource, then it fits in the above category.
  • If someone violates one of the above moral laws, it becomes morally justified to enact some kind of punishment in order to deter future violations of the moral law. The level of the punishment should be restorative and deterrent, but not punitive. Punishment must also only be enacted under some standard of evidence.
I'm literally thinking of these off the top of my head, so apologies if they're pretty half baked.
Lastly, come the pragmatic arguments.
  • Because society is made of many individuals with different needs and preferences, it is impossible for one individual (or group of individuals) to make decisions about resource allocation that would be broadly satisfactory for the whole group
  • The best way to allocate resources is therefore for people to trade freely between the resources they own and are able to produce out of their own effort.
I'm sure there's a bunch of stuff I missed... but this is broadly how I view my libertarian bent
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