Liberty Explained - The Basics of Libertarianism

Jan 14 2024 24 ep. 66
Liberty Explained - The Basics of Libertarianism Podcast artwork

Liberty Explained is your guide to libertarianism. Chris Spangle takes your questions about libertarianism applied to politics and culture. Please send your questions to [email protected].

Part of the We Are Libertarians Podcast Network.

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Do I have to be a “pure” libertarian to join?

Jan 14 2024 6 mins  
Do I have to be “pure” to be a libertarian? Can I be a good enough libertarian? In other words, Is it possible to be more libertarian than another person? Libertarianism isn’t a monolithic or rigid ideology; one doesn’t need to adhere to a “pure” form to identify as a libertarian. It's a framework for social organization rooted in the belief that individuals cannot orga

Can you punish a child under the NAP? What do libertarians believe about corporal punishment?

Jan 01 2024 5 mins  
Can you punish a child under the NAP? What do libertarians believe about corporal punishment? Children should be guided and nurtured, not subjected to violence, due to their developing mental and emotional capacities. As noted by Dakota Hensley on WeAreLibertarians.com, children are unique individuals who require the guidance of family and community, emphasizing a collective respon

How can equal opportunity exist when so many have so much wealth? What would be done about the 1%?

Nov 30 2023 4 mins  
How can equal opportunity exist when so many have so much wealth? What would be done about the 1%? Equal opportunity, though a sought-after ideal, remains elusive across various governance systems, including libertarianism. No society, regardless of its level of freedom or control, can claim absolute equality of opportunity in aspects beyond just education. In libertarianism, for i

What should I do if I want to run? What do I need to prepare for?

Nov 14 2023 3 mins  
What should I do if I want to run? What do I need to prepare for? Aspiring political candidates should begin by identifying and understanding the core issues of their specific race, ensuring alignment with the local community's needs. Gaining insights through attending city or county meetings and connecting with political parties at the county or state level is crucial for training

The NAP is the only requirement members of the LP must agree to. Is that a good standard?

Oct 31 2023 7 mins  
The NAP is the only requirement members of the Libertarian Party must agree to. Is that a good standard? The Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) serves as a unifying ethos for members of the Libertarian Party, mandating a collective agreement to abstain from using force to achieve political or social objectives. Although the political landscape is rife with diverse ideologies, the NAP a

Why does it seem like there are so many gatekeepers within the movement?

Oct 24 2023 4 mins  
The libertarian movement, still young and relatively small, contends with the appearance of gatekeeping due to its nascent stage and the intimate nature of its networks. Originating mainly in the 1970s, the movement has seen individuals attempt to assert dominance, forming distinct factions and perceived gatekeeping. Such divisions can sometimes hinder unity, exacerbated by the per

What is the Good Neighbor Policy? A Look at the Non-aggression Principle with Mary Ruwart

Oct 01 2023 29 mins  
Mary Ruwart joins Chris Spangle to talk about the foundational axiom of libertarianism: the non-aggression principle. Dr. Mary J. Ruwart is a research scientist, ethicist, and a libertarian author/activist. Ruwart.com - http://www.ruwart.com/ Healing Our World: The Compassion of Libertarianism: How to Enrich the Poor, Protect the Environment, Deter Crime, and Defuse Terrorism -

The Spirit of ’76: Libertarianism and American Renewal with Alex Salter

Sep 23 2023 34 mins  
From The Chris Spangle Show: Alexander Salter writes in his book "The Spirit of ’76," "Libertarianism is a rational reconstruction of America's founding principles." He joins me to discuss how libertarianism continues the American revolution toward liberty and dignity for all. The Spirit of ’76: Libertarianism and American Renewal - https://amzn.to/3QGrk7s Transcript - https:/

Is it imperative to have a moral society for libertarianism to work?

Sep 20 2023 5 mins  
Is it imperative to have a moral society for libertarianism to work? Or will liberty make society function better? Libertarianism, rooted in the Nonaggression Principle (NAP), advocates for a moral society built on respect, and non-coercion, echoing the elementary morality of respecting others’ rights and properties. However, the foundation of government often contradicts these p

Can someone be a racist and be a libertarian?

Jul 19 2023 3 mins  
Can you be a Nazi or racist or nationalist and be a libertarian? While it is theoretically possible for someone to identify as both a libertarian and a racist, nationalist, or Nazi, these ideologies are inherently contradictory. Libertarianism is anchored in rejecting force as a means for political and social change and upholds individualism and individual rights. In contrast, ideo