Libertarianism

Synonyms

Free market ideology; Neo-liberalism; Small-government liberalism

Definition

Libertarianism has two related aspects, often both believed by the same people. First, there is the libertarian defense of certain fundamental principles of justice and a vision of a just society that would result if these principles were the bases of law and government. Second, there are related libertarian views on law, economics, and social issues as they apply in the often unjust societies in which we currently live.

The key principles that underlie both aspects of libertarianism are these: first, that all people should be free from outside constraints on their liberty to live their lives in whatever way they choose (except insofar as everyone must respect the freedom, security, and private property of others). Restating this: no person or government should ever interfere with other people’s freedom of action, their security of person, or their legitimately acquired private property. Second,...