Colin Bird on Libertarianism: A Critique Cover Image

Colin Bird on Libertarianism: A Critique
Colin Bird on Libertarianism: A Critique

Author(s): Paweł Nowakowski
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: KSIĘGARNIA AKADEMICKA Sp. z o.o.
Keywords: libertarianism; self-ownership; rights; utilitarianism; inviolability; redistribution

Summary/Abstract: In this article, I delve into Colin Bird’s critical evaluation of libertarianism. Bird positions this strand within his broader framework of “liberal individualism,” and he contends that libertarianism, as a prime exemplar of liberal individualism, is inherently self-contradictory because of the perceived tension between self-ownership and individual inviolability. Employing logical and comparative analyses, this research rigorously examines the accuracy of Bird’s reconstruction and interpretation of libertarianism, while also assessing the validity of his assertion that libertarianism harbours internal contradictions. The findings suggest that Bird’s argument does not hold primarily due to misinterpreting the core tenets of libertarianism.

  • Issue Year: 21/2024
  • Issue No: 90
  • Page Range: 105-119
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: English
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