The Libertarian Mind By David Boaz: An Analysis

Unfortunately, most centuries have two very distinct and popular political ideologies that are often polarizing. For example, early 19th-century politics was heavily argued from a communist or capitalist perspective (Parks). It’s clear that this century’s distinct and conflicting political ideologies are libertarianism and social democracy (Boaz). In, The Libertarian Mind, David Boaz discusses the themes of individualism and free market economies that are associated with a libertarian nation. Which, are arguably more attractive than the overbearing authority often associated with a social democracy.

What is a social democracy? Typically, a social democracy is referred to the combination of capitalism and socialism. For example, the private

Typically, being a libertarian means to be socially liberal and fiscally conservative or you support economic and social freedoms (parks). More specifically, what does it mean to be a libertarian according to David Boaz? According to David Boaz, to be a libertarian means to be an advocate for freedom because “libertarianism is the view that each person has the right to live his life in any way he chooses so long as he respects the equal rights of others (6).” He characterizes libertarianism as “indispensable”, an indispensable framework for the future because it has limitless possibilities for all individuals (374).

Although the current political debate is between libertarianism and social democracies, the philosophy of libertarianism is not new. In fact, the philosophy and its philosophers, John Locke. Specifically, influenced the philosophy behind movements like the American Revolution (3). Which, then led to the creation of documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of

The themes are individualism, individual rights, spontaneous order, the rule of law, limited government, free markets, the virtue of production, natural harmony of interests, and peace (26-29). One of the most attractive qualities of libertarianism is individualism. There is a clear appreciation of individual creativity and the ability of individuals to act autonomously throughout the book (118-121). In fact, philosopher Immanuel Kant, who Boaz often refers to, believes individuals are capable of acting freely (autonomously) and capable of reason