In recent years, libertarian impulses have increasingly influenced national and economic debates, from welfare reform to efforts to curtail affirmative action. Murray N. Rothbard's classic The Ethics of Liberty stands as one of the most rigorous and philosophically sophisticated expositions of the libertarian political position. What distinguishes Rothbard's book is the manner in which it roots the case for freedom in the concept of natural rights and applies it to a host of practical problems. An economist by profession, Rothbard here proves himself equally at home with philosophy. And while his conclusions are radical--that a social order that strictly adheres to the rights of private property must exclude the institutionalized violence inherent in the state--his applications of libertarian principles prove surprisingly practical for a host of social dilemmas, solutions to which have eluded alternative traditions. The Ethics of Liberty authoritatively established the anarcho-capitalist economic system as the most viable and the only principled option for a social order based on freedom. This edition is newly indexed and includes a new introduction that takes special note of the Robert Nozick-Rothbard controversies.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By birchden
Format:Paperback
In this handy and readable book Murray Rothbard makes the case for a system of ethics that is based on natural law, demonstrating with a wealth of graphic examples how such a system would work in practice. There are valuable chapters here on self defence, childrens rights and criminality.
Moving on to human rights in general, Rothbard makes a compelling case for human rights as property rights, revisiting the famous question as to whether one has the right to shout 'fire' in a crowded cinema.
The book also contains an excellent analysis of the nature of the state and its inner contradictions. Here, Rothbard reminds us how difficult it is to frame a definition of robbery that does not also include taxation.
In conclusion, he presents us with a useful review of some other modern theories of liberty, among them the ideas of Hayek, Nozick and Berlin.
Rothbard's writing is always lively, challenging and provocative and if liberty means anything to you, then this is a book that you will not find easy to put down.
Moving on to human rights in general, Rothbard makes a compelling case for human rights as property rights, revisiting the famous question as to whether one has the right to shout 'fire' in a crowded cinema.
The book also contains an excellent analysis of the nature of the state and its inner contradictions. Here, Rothbard reminds us how difficult it is to frame a definition of robbery that does not also include taxation.
In conclusion, he presents us with a useful review of some other modern theories of liberty, among them the ideas of Hayek, Nozick and Berlin.
Rothbard's writing is always lively, challenging and provocative and if liberty means anything to you, then this is a book that you will not find easy to put down.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is a masterpiece. My first copy was ruined in a water damage so I just had to buy it again, and must have a copy on my shelf (although most other books I now obtain are only in an electric format).
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Murray Rothbards call for a just property rights basis for justice will spin your head if you accept the premises on which it is based. A rational alternative to the morality based justice we suffer with today, this book is a call to arms and an appeal to common sense in the fine tradition of Thomas Paine.
By Stylo
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Yes, there is a Theory of private property, and this book will tell you all about it.
Once you've read it, you will not see society the same way. A great eye opener. Great book!
Once you've read it, you will not see society the same way. A great eye opener. Great book!
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Owen Retsof
Format:Paperback
Hopefully Rothbard will remain famous for "Man, Economy and State" and not for this sadly uncompelling book. Rothbard in this very work tries to reconcile his less than perfect system of rights with everyday accepted social norms and this leads him to some rather strange destinations including but not limited to his views on children. His defense of womens rights to having abortions ia very compelling, but when taken to their logical conclusion also lead to pretty outragious views on parental responsibility.
If you want to read something good by Rothbard, I would strongly recommend his earlier works and not this.
If you want to read something good by Rothbard, I would strongly recommend his earlier works and not this.
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