Walter Block – Anarcho-Capitalist Austro-Libertarian
Walter Block – Anarcho-Capitalist Austro-Libertarian
Contributor(s): Gheorghe H. Popescu (Editor), Elvira Nica (Editor)
Subject(s): Economy, Business Economy / Management, Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Political Philosophy, Labor relations, Economic policy, Government/Political systems, Military policy, Law on Economics, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development, ICT Information and Communications Technologies, Socio-Economic Research, Transport / Logistics, Asylum, Refugees, Migration as Policy-fields, Labour and Social Security Law
Published by: Addleton Academic Publishers
Keywords: labor economics; the philosophy of free enterprise; environmentalism and economic freedom; business ethics; private property rights; tax evasion;
Summary/Abstract: Some of the essays acknowledge what Walter Block regards as hiscontributions to the promotion of Austrian economics and the libertarianpolitical economic philosophy, while others go further, far more so, and pushout the boundaries of what we know about these two disciplines. Topicscovered by this Festschrift include: labor economics, the philosophy of freeenterprise, environmentalism and economic freedom, business ethics, privateproperty rights, tax evasion, free market transportation, radicallibertarianism, constitutional economics, libertarian punishment theory,corporate governance mechanisms, etc.
- E-ISBN-13: 978-1-942585-59-6
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-1-942585-58-9
- Page Count: 596
- Publication Year: 2025
- Language: English
Raising My Glass to Walter Block
Raising My Glass to Walter Block
(Raising My Glass to Walter Block)
- Author(s):Benjamin Abelow
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Recent History (1900 till today)
- Page Range:1-1
- No. of Pages:1
- Keywords:Walter’s career tribute; intellectual influence; prolific scholarship; personal gratitude;
- Summary/Abstract:I wish to add my congratulations to Walter on his remarkable, distinguished, and invaluable career. I have listened to dozens of Walter’s lectures and interviews over the years and learned a great deal from them. I have also written to Walter several times to ask for reading suggestions on various economic topics - and I have been consistently awed not only by his generous responses, but by the sheer number of relevant articles that he himself has penned. At this moment, I wish I could write more in honor of Walter, but I cannot; I burned myself out working on another project involving U.S. foreign policy and the Ukraine war, and I and can’t get my brain in gear for more writing now. Unlike Walter, who is remarkably prolific and, it seems, preternaturally fluent in his output, my writing is often painstaking, and sometimes, like now, I just hit a wall. So, to Walter, I raise my glass from afar and say, “Thank you for the intellectual enrichment and pleasure you have provided me.”
- Price: 5.50 €
Venezuelan Homage to Dr. Block
Venezuelan Homage to Dr. Block
(Venezuelan Homage to Dr. Block)
- Author(s):Rafael Acevedo
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Recent History (1900 till today), Economic policy
- Page Range:2-2
- No. of Pages:1
- Keywords:Walter Block; Mises University; Pernsonal Experience; Venezuela; Crisis;
- Summary/Abstract:I met Dr. Block at the 2017 Mises University event, where his lectures left a profound impression on me. I distinctly remember gathering the courage to pose a couple of questions, delving into the intricate matter of solving economic crises, particularly in places like Venezuela. Dr. Block’s wisdom and compassionate response left an enduring impact.
- Price: 5.50 €
Defending Evictionism
Defending Evictionism
(Defending Evictionism)
- Author(s):Nolan Albanese
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economy, Economic policy, Corruption - Transparency - Anti-Corruption
- Page Range:3-14
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:Walter Block; Evictionism; Politics; Influence; Libretarian;
- Summary/Abstract:Today, you may hear that modern politics is theater--a meaningless charade put on to make its citizenry feel as if it is being represented when, in reality, the whole apparatus is being run by a corrupt few. If we can manage to locate, expose, and destroy this corruption within the government, the State and country can begin to heal. This sort of messaging can be heard from people of nearly all political persuasions, from right-wing populists to democratic socialists to minarchist objectivists.1 The libertarian, however, must reject it outright.
- Price: 5.50 €
The Marketability Component in the Gross Market Rate of Interest, the Yield Curve and Artificial Liquidity
The Marketability Component in the Gross Market Rate of Interest, the Yield Curve and Artificial Liquidity
(The Marketability Component in the Gross Market Rate of Interest, the Yield Curve and Artificial Liquidity)
- Author(s):Philipp Bagus
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Business Economy / Management, Economic policy, Political economy
- Page Range:15-26
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:Walter Block; marketability component; yield curve; gross market rate of interest; artificial liquidity;
- Summary/Abstract:I argue that there exists a tendency for an upward sloping yield curve implied in the axiom of human action. This tendency is implicit in Mises’ treatment of secondary media of exchange. I provide a praxeological explanation of the marketability component in the gross market rate of interest. In a world of uncertainty, actors watch their liquidity position. They prefer to be liquid rather than illiquid. For their liquidity position, not only cash is relevant but also the marketability of their other assets in relation to their debt structure. I distinguish natural from artificial marketability. My findings have important consequences for the yield of financial assets, maturity mismatching, the structure of production, and the liquidity positions over the business cycle.
- Price: 5.50 €
Pour Choquer le Professeur Block - Originary Interest: Production Phenomenon or Credit Phenomenon?
Pour Choquer le Professeur Block - Originary Interest: Production Phenomenon or Credit Phenomenon?
(Pour Choquer le Professeur Block - Originary Interest: Production Phenomenon or Credit Phenomenon?)
- Author(s):William Barnett II
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Business Economy / Management, Economic policy, Financial Markets
- Page Range:27-35
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Walter Block; originary interest; time preference; credit transactions; interest rates;
- Summary/Abstract:It was barely 20 years ago that I first met Walter Block. It turned out that in many ways we were, and remain, kindred spirits. In the decades since then we have become friends, colleagues, and collaborators. One thing that has become obvious, and is manifest in, e.g., Defending the Undefendable [sic], is that almost nothing gives Walter as much pleasure as épater les bourgeois. It is in that spirit that this paper is offered to him. It concerns, to the best of my knowledge, one of the only two issues in economics about which, after untold discussion, we continue to disagree; to wit: the nature of interest and interest rates.
- Price: 5.50 €
Does the U.S. Really Need a Transportation Department?
Does the U.S. Really Need a Transportation Department?
(Does the U.S. Really Need a Transportation Department?)
- Author(s):Robert Batemarco
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Governance, Economic policy, Economic development, Transport / Logistics
- Page Range:36-54
- No. of Pages:19
- Keywords:Walter Block; Department of Transportation; Interstate Highway System; mass transit; cronyism;
- Summary/Abstract:How many of the following nineteen people have you ever heard of: Alan S. Boyd, John Volpe, Claude Brinegar, William Thaddeus Coleman Jr., Brock Adams, Neil Goldschmidt, Drew Lewis, Elizabeth Dole, James H. Burnley IV, Samuel K. Skinner, Andrew Card, Federico Peña, Rodney E. Slater, Norman Mineta, Mary E. Peters, Ray LaHood, Anthony Foxx, Elaine Chao, Pete Buttigieg? A far more important question is “how many of them had enough knowledge and understanding of complex transportation systems to make them capable of successfully running the transportation system of the United States?” Because we libertarians understand the importance of market prices and competition in generating successful economic outcomes from the point of view of consumers, our answer to this question is “none of them.” Yet they have all been expected to run such a system by dint of the job they held as U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
- Price: 5.50 €
The Two Faces of Realism in Austrian Economics
The Two Faces of Realism in Austrian Economics
(The Two Faces of Realism in Austrian Economics)
- Author(s):Jakub Bożydar Wiśniewski
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Governance, Economic policy, Political economy
- Page Range:55-58
- No. of Pages:4
- Keywords:Walter Block; economics; realism; two faces; causal-realistic orientation;
- Summary/Abstract:One of the major defining features of Austrian economics is its causal-realistic orientation (Salerno 2010). It stands for, on the one hand, the application of strict logical deduction from the action axiom, and, on the other hand, the focus on real-world economic phenomena as opposed to idealized abstractions and contrived equilibrium models (Klein 2008).
- Price: 5.50 €
A New Kid on the Academic Publishing Block
A New Kid on the Academic Publishing Block
(A New Kid on the Academic Publishing Block)
- Author(s):Per L. Bylund
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Labor relations, Economic policy, Higher Education , Sociology of Education
- Page Range:59-62
- No. of Pages:4
- Keywords:Walter Block; libertarianism; labor market regulation; academic critique;
- Summary/Abstract:In the summer of 2007, I left my native Sweden to pursue a doctorate in applied economics at the University of Missouri, a first step on route to a career in academia. I was already a libertarian of the market anarchism variety for about a decade, so I was well aware of Walter Block. He is, as he was back then, very well-known, appreciated, and a provocative voice in the global libertarian movement. So it is safe to say that I had read plenty of his articles and probably a few of his books too. While I had never met Walter in person, we had both written for mises.org and lewrockwell.com and contributed to many of the other websites and ezines that were arenas for libertarian discourse and debate back then.
- Price: 5.50 €
How to Make Defending the Undefendable Defensible
How to Make Defending the Undefendable Defensible
(How to Make Defending the Undefendable Defensible)
- Author(s):Bryan Caplan
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Sociology, Substance abuse and addiction, Socio-Economic Research
- Page Range:63-71
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Social Desirability Bias; rationality; negative externalities; Walter Block;
- Summary/Abstract:When the truth is ugly, people lie. Psychologists call this “Social Desirability Bias.” Human beings exaggerate their patriotism and piety, their altruism and loyalty, their intelligence and their tolerance. Social Desirability Bias (SDB) is embedded in language itself: When someone asks, “Would you like to come to my party?,” you refuse with “Sorry, I can’t” even though that is almost never literally true. Sometimes these lies become so ubiquitous that we lose awareness of our own dishonesty.
- Price: 5.50 €
Exposing Political Treachery in Italian Carolingian Narratives: The Case of Gano di Maganza from Renaissance Epic Poetry to Late Nineteenth-century Hand Puppet Theater
Exposing Political Treachery in Italian Carolingian Narratives: The Case of Gano di Maganza from Renaissance Epic Poetry to Late Nineteenth-century Hand Puppet Theater
(Exposing Political Treachery in Italian Carolingian Narratives: The Case of Gano di Maganza from Renaissance Epic Poetry to Late Nineteenth-century Hand Puppet Theater)
- Author(s):Jo Ann Cavallo
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Studies of Literature, Sociology of Politics, History of Art, Italian literature
- Page Range:72-85
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Carolingian epic; Gano di Maganza; Astolfo; Sarina puppetry;
- Summary/Abstract:At first glance, Carolingian epic literature, epitomized by the eleventhcentury Chanson of Roland, is centered on the struggle of Western European Christian forces to recapture lands previously conquered by invading Saracens from Northern Africa. Yet from their origin in medieval France, these chivalric narratives have also been deeply concerned with the vicissitudes of heroic figures struggling against the abusive power of their own political state. As endless permutations of these stories circulated in the Italian peninsula and Sicily in the following centuries, one constant feature was the genre’s attention to evil lurking at the highest echelons of political power. If Friedrich Hayek began his chapter entitled “Why the Worst Get on Top” with Lord Acton’s famous quote that “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” an untold number of poets, storytellers, and puppeteers illustrate this political dictum through fictional stories set in the most powerful court of medieval Europe.
- Price: 5.50 €
Walter Block Inspires a Young Scholar
Walter Block Inspires a Young Scholar
(Walter Block Inspires a Young Scholar)
- Author(s):Anthony J. Cesario
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Health and medicine and law
- Page Range:86-93
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Walter Block; economics passion; free speech; evictionism;
- Summary/Abstract:I don’t remember precisely when I first stumbled across Walter’s work or what of his I first read, but I do know that after discovering his writing in 2018, a deep passion for economics was ignited inside of me. I had just moved from Los Angeles to Las Vegas after experiencing some financial difficulties while studying political science and philosophy at Cal State Los Angeles. Prior to moving, I had finished all of my courses in Political Science except for a general education math class and was a few classes away from also completing their prelaw philosophy program. My plan was to save up some money in Las Vegas and then return to Los Angeles to finish my degree.
- Price: 5.50 €
From Legend to Mentor to Friend: The Magnificent Walter Block
From Legend to Mentor to Friend: The Magnificent Walter Block
(From Legend to Mentor to Friend: The Magnificent Walter Block)
- Author(s):Antón Chamberlin
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Education, Higher Education , Sociology of Education
- Page Range:94-96
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Walter Block; mentorship; libertarianism; student impact;
- Summary/Abstract:Every intellectual movement has its giants. The tradition expands as great men and women stand on the shoulders of their predecessors. Following this, two groups emerge within any movement. There are the many, whose role is that of evangelization. The promulgators of doctrine find themselves on the front lines, often interacting with students, converting hearts and minds. Their main focus is promotion of thought, not necessarily rich contributions. And God bless these individuals ‒ they are much needed.
- Price: 5.50 €
Nuclear Deterrence Melts Down: Limits of Deterrence and Alternative Paths to Peace
Nuclear Deterrence Melts Down: Limits of Deterrence and Alternative Paths to Peace
(Nuclear Deterrence Melts Down: Limits of Deterrence and Alternative Paths to Peace)
- Author(s):Christopher J. Coyne, Abigail R. Hall
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Political Theory, Security and defense, Military policy
- Page Range:97-113
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:Nuclear weapons; deterrence; global security; political risk;
- Summary/Abstract:“UN chief warns world is one step from ‘nuclear annihilation’.” So read a recent news headline reporting on statements by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres regarding rising global nuclear tensions. Among other things, Guterres noted that “humanity is just one misunderstanding, one miscalculation away from nuclear annihilation” (quoted in Lederer 2022). A recent report by The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), found that “Of the total global inventory of an estimated 12 512 warheads in January 2023, about 9576 were in military stockpiles for potential use—86 more than in January 2022” (SIPRI 2023a, n.p.). Nine countries (China, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) possess nuclear arsenals and another five (Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Türkiye) host U.S. nuclear weapons. Dan Smith, the Director of SIPRI noted that, “In this period of high geopolitical tension and mistrust, with communication channels between nuclear-armed rivals closed or barely functioning, the risks of miscalculation, misunderstanding or accident are unacceptably high” (quoted in SIPRI 2023a, n.p.).
- Price: 5.50 €
If You Want Peace, Prepare for Peace: From Arms Race to Peace Race
If You Want Peace, Prepare for Peace: From Arms Race to Peace Race
(If You Want Peace, Prepare for Peace: From Arms Race to Peace Race)
- Author(s):Christopher J. Coyne
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:114-128
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:Peace-through-strength; Strength-through-peace; Arms race; Nonviolent conflict resolution;
- Summary/Abstract:Si vis pacem, para bellum (“If you want peace, prepare for war”). This is one of the most common adages in international affairs. At first blush, the idea of peace through military strength makes perfect sense - being stronger than others allows the dominant government to bring others to heel. This “peace-through-strength” view elevates state-provided military force as the foundational source of order and peace in the world. This normalizes the use of military force as the central means of human interactions, incentivizing others to respond in kind. One manifestation of this logic is the well-known “security dilemma” whereby one government’s increase in military strength makes other governments feel less secure. This incentivizes other governments to increase their military strength to counter the threat posed by the first-moving government. The result is an arms race where governments acquire increasing amounts of military strength capable of killing increasing numbers of people. This can generate some semblance of peace between nations, but this peace is fragile; it can easily unravel, resulting in violence on a significant scale.
- Price: 5.50 €
Walter Block ‒ A Fearless, Happy Warrior
Walter Block ‒ A Fearless, Happy Warrior
(Walter Block ‒ A Fearless, Happy Warrior)
- Author(s):Paul F. Cwik
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Philosophy, Social history, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Present Times (2010 - today)
- Page Range:129-131
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Fearless; Happy warrior; Radical ideas; Engaging debates;
- Summary/Abstract:If I were to sum up Walter Block in one word, it would be “fearless.” From the first time I met Walter in the summer of 1990, it was clear that his hero was Murray Rothbard. Rothbard had many qualities that would make any academic jealous, but Walter chose to emulate Rothbard. The foremost Rothbardian characteristic that I see reflected in Walter is the idea of being a “happy warrior.” Walter is unflinching when it comes to debating, discussing, and reasoning with people who disagree with him. Most importantly though, it is Walter’s likable demeanor that sets him apart. He truly is a happy warrior.
- Price: 5.50 €
Rationally Deduced Truth, Austrian Economics, and Libertarianism
Rationally Deduced Truth, Austrian Economics, and Libertarianism
(Rationally Deduced Truth, Austrian Economics, and Libertarianism)
- Author(s):Laura Davidson
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Governance, Economic policy
- Page Range:132-143
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:Austro-libertarianism; Objective truth; Synthetic a priori; Human action;
- Summary/Abstract:I first met Walter in the summer of 2008 at the Ludwig von Mises Institute in Auburn, where I was attending the Rothbard Graduate Seminar as an observer. I was sitting in the library when Walter came up to me. He asked me what inspired me to come to Auburn. I told him how I had immersed myself in the Austrian school of thought, digesting significant works in the Austro-libertarian canon. But above all, I said, I wanted to find the truth with a capital T - not subjective assumptions or even scientific facts, but rather universally applicable, objective truths. From Walter’s reaction, I felt that I had said something dear to his heart, namely, the search for rationally deduced propositions that enhance our understanding of the world, particularly in the study of human action and in the cause for liberty.
- Price: 5.50 €
Evictionism and Libertarianism: Some Pressure Points
Evictionism and Libertarianism: Some Pressure Points
(Evictionism and Libertarianism: Some Pressure Points)
- Author(s):Łukasz M. Dominiak
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Political Philosophy, Health and medicine and law
- Page Range:144-153
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:Evictionism; Non-aggression principle; Fetus as trespasser; Gentleness principle;
- Summary/Abstract:As we all know, Walter Block has made an extremely important contribution to both bioethics and libertarianism by putting forth his theory of evictionism (e.g. Block 2010; Block 2011a; Block 2011b; Block 2011c; Block 2014a; Block 2014b; Block 2021). What this theory does is to apply some libertarian principles – such as, inter alia, the non-aggression principle, self-ownership principle, principle of strict liability or gentleness principle – to the ethical dilemma of abortion. As a result, evictionism proposes to understand the abortion question in terms of a conflict between the woman and the unwanted fetus over the woman’s body, her exclusive property. Since the woman has absolute private property rights to her body, then under libertarianism she also has an exclusive right to decide who may use it.
- Price: 5.50 €
Jacques Novicow, Economic Sociologist of Peace and Freedom
Jacques Novicow, Economic Sociologist of Peace and Freedom
(Jacques Novicow, Economic Sociologist of Peace and Freedom)
- Author(s):Richard M. Ebeling
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Political Philosophy, Sociology, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:154-164
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:War; Peace; Classical Liberalism; Jacques Novicow;
- Summary/Abstract:One of the most important classical liberal crusades of the nineteenth century was to at least tame, if not end, the death and destruction of war. From time immemorial, wars have been the scourge of mankind. Huge numbers of ordinary people have been uprooted from their homes and families to serve as the human sacrifices in battle to serve the purposes of kings and princes, dictators and tyrants, and even democratically elected governments declaring that they represent the peaceful purposes of their citizens.
- Price: 5.50 €
Walter Block, My Good Friend and Mentor
Walter Block, My Good Friend and Mentor
(Walter Block, My Good Friend and Mentor)
- Author(s):Michael R. Edelstein
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Psychology, Social history, Recent History (1900 till today), Clinical psychology, Behaviorism
- Page Range:165-166
- No. of Pages:2
- Keywords:Walter Block; Libertarian Anarchism; Albert Ellis; Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy;
- Summary/Abstract:I met Walter Block in 1977 in Brooklyn, NY. Bill Shooman, a mutual friend, introduced us knowing we both enjoyed playing chess. Consequently Walter and I began meeting regularly to play. During this time Walter persuaded me to abandon my liberal ideas and turn to libertarian anarchism. Walter’s reasoning made sense so I embraced this very different political perspective. During this same period we both independently entered psychotherapy with the brilliant clinical psychologist, theorist, and author, Albert Ellis. Walter and I have remained best friends to this day.
- Price: 5.50 €
Stateless Flyways for the Birds: How Voluntary Contracts Could Save Fugitive Species from the Tragedy of the Commons
Stateless Flyways for the Birds: How Voluntary Contracts Could Save Fugitive Species from the Tragedy of the Commons
(Stateless Flyways for the Birds: How Voluntary Contracts Could Save Fugitive Species from the Tragedy of the Commons)
- Author(s):L. B. Edgar
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Sociology, Environmental interactions, Sociology of Law
- Page Range:167-192
- No. of Pages:26
- Keywords:Migratory Bird Treaty Act; Enviropreneurs; Tragedy of the Commons; Private Property Rights;
- Summary/Abstract:Anti-consumption conservationists often chide productive industrialists for using up natural resources which can no longer be held in trust for enjoyment by future generations. As Rothbard (2009) observed, the argument that using up a depletable resource in the present robs future generations of its enjoyment creates a logical contradiction. Following such conservationists’ illogic to its end results in a reductio ad absurdem: Only the last human being on Earth with zero prospects for passing on his bloodline could use anything depletable because any other uses would cause deprivation for unborn future inhabitants. To such future-oriented minds, wise use in theory ends up as zero use in logically consistent practice. Beyond the inconsistent rhetoric, however, experts in positions of power routinely decree the manner and extent of permissible uses according to political, non-market-based considerations.
- Price: 5.50 €
The Difference Indifference Makes
The Difference Indifference Makes
(The Difference Indifference Makes)
- Author(s):Lucas M. Engelhardt
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Economic policy, Political economy
- Page Range:193-201
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Walter Block; Austrian economics; indifference debate; praxeology; preference theory;
- Summary/Abstract:What role can indifference play in the study of human action? This debate has been going on for some time, and has led to attacks on Austrian economic theorizing from Nozick (1977) and Caplan (1999). Within Austrian circles, some are more willing to embrace indifference to a strong degree (see O’Neill (2010)), while others argue that indifference cannot help us understand action, which, by nature involves choice. One prominent member of this latter camp is Walter Block, who has authored several articles – particularly rejoinders – on the topic of indifference, consistently taking the view that indifference in action is not possible. This essay will suggest that the value of these debates is not so much the ability to accept or reject indifference as an analytical tool (most prominently in indifference curve analysis), but rather the way these debates illuminate a number of other issues: free will, the connection between feeling and action, the place of heterogeneity, and the limits of praxeological reasoning.
- Price: 5.50 €
Walter Block: An Appreciation
Walter Block: An Appreciation
(Walter Block: An Appreciation)
- Author(s):Richard Epstein
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Economic policy, Fiscal Politics / Budgeting
- Page Range:202-204
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Walter Block; libertarianism; taxation and eminent domain; classical liberalism;
- Summary/Abstract:Walter Block is a person whom I love to talk to. He is also a man whom I fear to argue with. Both parts of this simple observation help explain why his voice has for so long had an important influence on my thinking and on the thinking of so many other individuals who have contributed to the many different strands of the libertarian intellectual enterprise.
- Price: 5.50 €
Unshackling the Shackled: An Essay in Honor of My Mentor, Prof. Walter Block
Unshackling the Shackled: An Essay in Honor of My Mentor, Prof. Walter Block
(Unshackling the Shackled: An Essay in Honor of My Mentor, Prof. Walter Block)
- Author(s):Richard J. Fast
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Higher Education , Sociology of Education
- Page Range:205-213
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Walter Block; Austrian School of Economics; libertarianism; Loyola University New Orleans;
- Summary/Abstract:I first discovered Walter as a late teenager, after stumbling onto the Ludwig von Mises Institute website. Interest in politics and philosophy had led me to the 2012 Ron Paul presidential campaign, where I was on a quest for truth. Similar to many of my peers, attending a small teachers’ co-op high school in Berkeley, California, I was a statesocialist then, fascinated by Trotskyism and “perpetual revolution”. The 2008 ‘Great Recession’ while I was a sophomore, and the subsequent Occupy Wall St. demonstrations I witnessed and sometimes took part in, had instilled in me ideals of social justice, radical reform, and alternative political-economic systems. In retrospect, how ignorant I was to think that government would actually protect civil liberties and successfully orchestrate the economy. I was, however, open to learning about different economic systems, which eventually led to leftwing free-market anarchism, or “bleeding heart libertarianism”. Being a peace and civil liberties activist prompted me to join the Ron Paul rEVOLution [sic], but I was not yet convinced unbridled free enterprise could solve economic problems. Independent research showed me, though, that civil liberties were only one side of a gold coin; that freedom must be all-encompassing in both the economic and social realms to be authentic. Like other young libertarians new to the Austrian School, I was immediately impressed watching Walter’s lectures online. The ideas he espoused were a breath of fresh air, compared to the dominant narrative that government can or should solve every problem under the sun. What I did not expect was how this journey would transform my entire life.
- Price: 5.50 €
The West between the Cross and the Sword: Toward a Reflectionist Libertarianism
The West between the Cross and the Sword: Toward a Reflectionist Libertarianism
(The West between the Cross and the Sword: Toward a Reflectionist Libertarianism)
- Author(s):Bernardo Ferrero
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Economic policy, Sociology of Politics
- Page Range:214-236
- No. of Pages:23
- Keywords:John Paul II; Ludwig von Mises; Western civilization; Respublica Christiana;
- Summary/Abstract:In 2006, John Paul II affirmed that European nations had entered the stage of “post-identity”, unreceptive as they were to their glorious past. Today this post-identity crisis presents itself in an exacerbated form, exemplified by the damnatio memoriae of political correctness, wokeism and cancel culture. Movements that are undermining, along with the foundations of the west, those contexts of authority that, as sociologist Robert Nisbet underlined, represent the indispensable companions to man’s impulse to freedom. If the liberty of the individual cannot flourish apart from natural society, neither can it do without authority. Society, as Nisbet put it, is ultimately “a tissue of authorities”. But to reconquer or defend these centers of authorities, which are home to man’s quest for freedom and thirst for truth, one cannot afford to shy away from a realistic “philosophy of history”. One which, contrary to that of Kant, Hegel, Comte or Marx, avoids what Ludwig von Mises termed “fatalistic determinism”, reasons through epochs rather than years or centuries, unveils the ultimate (moral and spiritual) why of things and judges these in the name of proven principles rooted in the permanent nature of man.
- Price: 5.50 €
The Foundations of a Liberal International Order
The Foundations of a Liberal International Order
(The Foundations of a Liberal International Order)
- Author(s):Alan G. Futerman
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Political Theory, Economic policy
- Page Range:237-249
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:liberal international order; spontaneous order; Rule of Law; right of secession;
- Summary/Abstract:As Friedrich Hayek has taught, social sciences are counterintuitive. How so? According to Adam Smith (1776 [1904]), the economy operates as if an invisible hand would be ordering it. But there is no such hand in reality. Intuition, following Hayek, would deceive us into believing that there is a hand operating somewhere. However, to recognize that there is not involves two (perhaps, disturbing) facts: we cannot control what we do not understand, and to learn what it is that which we do not understand is hard.
- Price: 5.50 €
Encounters with Walter Block
Encounters with Walter Block
(Encounters with Walter Block)
- Author(s):Steve Globerman
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Theory, Economic policy
- Page Range:250-252
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Walter Block; Fraser Institute; Canadian content regulations; individual rights;
- Summary/Abstract:I can probably claim the distinction of knowing Walter Block longer than almost any other person alive today. I first met Walter sometime in the early 1960s. At the time, I was an undergraduate at Brooklyn College majoring in economics. Walter was a friend of my cousin Martin Dubin. Notwithstanding the great distance in time between then and now, I still remember meeting Walter one night when we both were visiting Martin. Walter inquired about my studies at Brooklyn College, and I must have expressed more enthusiasm for the postKeynesian economics indoctrination I was getting in my courses than was acceptable to Walter. He criticized my naïve defense of the need for a large government role in the economy more enthusiastically than I thought was appropriate for a casual social encounter, but in retrospect, it was a wonderful lesson that Walter was particularly well equipped to deliver. The lesson: don’t bandy about opinions on important economic and social issues unless you’ve given good and proper thought to those issues. I was undoubtedly too intellectually unserious at the time to absorb the lesson fully, but it must have made an impression as I remember that encounter with Walter some six decades later, whereas I have forgotten almost all of the lessons from Samuelson’s classic textbook that was the economics Bible for undergraduate students in the 1960s.
- Price: 5.50 €
In Honor of Walter Block
In Honor of Walter Block
(In Honor of Walter Block)
- Author(s):David Gordon
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Political Theory, Economic policy
- Page Range:253-255
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Walter Block; Robert Nozick; Austrian economics; Libertarian Scholars Conference;
- Summary/Abstract:One of my earliest memories of Walter Block is of hearing him speak at the Libertarian Scholars Conference, held at the Biltmore Hotel in Manhattan in 1979. Walter gave a characteristically incisive and provocative paper defending private ownership as a means of reducing crime. The essence of his argument was a powerful example. The crime rate was much less in privately owned malls than in public streets. A simple observation, perhaps: but it hadn’t been deployed in this context before. At least I hadn’t heard it before. The point so much struck in my mind that I told the great moral philosopher Philippa Foot about it. In the nearly 45 years since that occasion, I have continued to be impressed by Walter’s ability to come up with imaginative and provocative arguments and examples in defense of “plumb line” libertarianism.
- Price: 5.50 €
The Effects of Diversity Equity and Inclusion Policies on the Traditional Mission of Universities
The Effects of Diversity Equity and Inclusion Policies on the Traditional Mission of Universities
(The Effects of Diversity Equity and Inclusion Policies on the Traditional Mission of Universities)
- Author(s):Herbert Grubel
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economic policy, Higher Education , State/Government and Education
- Page Range:256-266
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); Simon Fraser University; admissions quotas; meritocracy;
- Summary/Abstract:The mission of universities has always been the passing on and expansion of human knowledge, which has made universities contribute much to the historic growth in Canadian and world income. This traditional mission is now threatened by policies designed and enforced by many employees that were recently hired by Canadian universities to work in offices called by different monikers “Equity and Inclusion” (EI) at the University of British Columbia, “People, Equity, and Inclusion” (PEI) at Simon Fraser University, “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” (EDI) at the University of Calgary, and “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” (DEI), which is the term used at most universities around the world (Wikipedia), and is used in this study. A critical analysis of DEI (Hackett) calls the workers in these offices “Diversicrats”.
- Price: 5.50 €
From Socialism to Free Markets: Remembrances from Yugoslavia
From Socialism to Free Markets: Remembrances from Yugoslavia
(From Socialism to Free Markets: Remembrances from Yugoslavia)
- Author(s):Steve H. Hanke
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Governance, Economic history, Political history, Recent History (1900 till today), Economic policy
- Page Range:267-284
- No. of Pages:18
- Keywords:Yugoslavia privatization; Zivko Pregl; Ante Marković; property rights; privatization principles;
- Summary/Abstract:When contemplating the possibilities for a contribution to a Festschrift in honor of Prof. Dr. Walter Block, I was struck by the fact that Walter’s life’s work has been the result of his toiling in the trenches with a pen aimed at socialism; whereas, a great deal of my time has been spent operating as an advisor to governments attempting to shake off the shackles of socialism.
- Price: 5.50 €
Economics, Anarchy, Panarchy
Economics, Anarchy, Panarchy
(Economics, Anarchy, Panarchy)
- Author(s):Jack High
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Theory, Economic policy, Political economy
- Page Range:285-313
- No. of Pages:29
- Keywords:Liberalism vs anarchism; Adam Smith; William Godwin; economic anarchism; Proudhon mutualism; jus ad rem; capital goods; vertical integration; economic theory;
- Summary/Abstract:Liberalism vs. Anarchism. Economics and anarchism were born within a generation of each other, economics in 1776 with the publication of Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations, anarchism in 1793 with the publication of William Godwin’s Political Justice. Both works were liberal in the sense of advocating freedom as a primary social value. Both were rooted in British tradition: Smith’s in Scottish moral philosophy, which emphasized natural liberty and spontaneous social order, Godwin’s in English dissent, which emphasized the sacred right of conscience. Both works treated wealth, justice, and government: Smith argued that wealth is increased when governments restrict themselves to administering justice; Godwin argued that justice requires each person to use his wealth to maximize social utility, a duty with which governments should not interfere. The overlap in subject matter and the common bond in liberalism could have led to mutual regard; economics and anarchism could have grown together, complementing and correcting one another. Instead, with few exceptions, economists and anarchists treated each other with mutual disregard for almost two-hundred years.
- Price: 5.50 €
Defending the Undefendable: Walter Block on Slavery
Defending the Undefendable: Walter Block on Slavery
(Defending the Undefendable: Walter Block on Slavery)
- Author(s):Randall G. Holcombe
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Political Philosophy, Sociology of Law
- Page Range:314-319
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Walter Block; libertarianism; self-ownership; slavery;
- Summary/Abstract:Early in his academic career, Walter Block wrote Defending the Undefendable, first published in 1976, which defends pimps, prostitutes, scabs, slumlords, libelers, moneylenders, and others, as the book’s subtitle tells readers. Block’s libertarian defense of these oft-criticized individuals, and many others, rests on three pillars: they are not coercing others, in most cases their activities benefit society, and if those activities are prohibited, we would be worse off as a result. Block (2018: xiii, italics in the original) says “Libertarian philosophy condemns only the initiation of violence—the use of violence against a nonviolent person or his property.” Block has consistently defended that libertarian stance throughout his long academic career. Not content to merely take on somewhat controversial topics as he defends the undefendable, perhaps his most controversial stance along those lines is his defense of slavery. Throughout his career, Walter has not been one to shy away from controversy.
- Price: 5.50 €
Subjectivity, Opportunity Cost, and the Problem of Externalities
Subjectivity, Opportunity Cost, and the Problem of Externalities
(Subjectivity, Opportunity Cost, and the Problem of Externalities)
- Author(s):David Howden
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Energy and Environmental Studies, Environmental interactions
- Page Range:320-328
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Externalities; subjectivity of costs; climate change; positive and negative impacts;
- Summary/Abstract:Economists are in broad agreement that the cost of something is best defined as a foregone opportunity. Since any opportunity foregone will be specific to the individual, the resultant cost will also be specific. From here it follows that all costs must be subjective.
- Price: 5.50 €
Saint Joseph: Entrepreneur and Father of Liberty
Saint Joseph: Entrepreneur and Father of Liberty
(Saint Joseph: Entrepreneur and Father of Liberty)
- Author(s):Jesús Huerta De Soto
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Business Economy / Management, Biblical studies, Sociology of Religion
- Page Range:329-340
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:Saint Joseph; Austrian economics; liberty; biblical reflections;
- Summary/Abstract:Introductory note: In this essay, I will use as my guide the little we know about the life of Saint Joseph and the teachings he passed on to his Son and attempt to connect the Holy Scriptures with the essential principles of the Austrian School of economics and its characteristic pursuit of liberty. I have ventured (or rather dared) to write in first person, in the form of a set of reflections which I imagine Saint Joseph himself might have had at different times and in various circumstances in his fascinating, little-known life.
- Price: 5.50 €
Urban Homesteading: An Austro-libertarian Defense of Hobos Living Rough
Urban Homesteading: An Austro-libertarian Defense of Hobos Living Rough
(Urban Homesteading: An Austro-libertarian Defense of Hobos Living Rough)
- Author(s):Mark D. Hughes
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Philosophy, Rural and urban sociology, Socio-Economic Research
- Page Range:341-357
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:Festschrift; Austro-libertarianism; hobos; voluntary exchange;
- Summary/Abstract:Being invited to contribute to this long-deserved Festschrift for Professor Walter Edward Block, my Austro-libertarian mentor of four decades, is a singular honor.
- Price: 5.50 €
To my friendly debating co-author, Walter Block
To my friendly debating co-author, Walter Block
(To my friendly debating co-author, Walter Block)
- Author(s):Don Jacobs
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Education, Higher Education , Sociology of Education
- Page Range:358-359
- No. of Pages:2
- Keywords:Festschrift; scholarly collaboration; differing worldviews; respectful disagreement;
- Summary/Abstract:I offer this gesture of respect for Walter, although I may be among the few in this volume that strongly disagree with most of his positions. In fact, I met Walter when I asked him if he would be willing to write a book with me. I told him that we disagreed on higher education goals and the concept and importance of social/ecological justice education, but wanted to understand his positions rather than debate them. Our book was published and we presented it at St. Louis University’s Doer Social Justice Center, a presentation available on Youtube. The title is Differing Worldviews in Higher Education: Two Scholars Argue Cooperatively About Justice Education. Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Sense Publishers
- Price: 5.50 €
A Tour through Walter Block’s Oeuvre
A Tour through Walter Block’s Oeuvre
(A Tour through Walter Block’s Oeuvre)
- Author(s):Stephan Kinsella
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Higher Education , Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Present Times (2010 - today)
- Page Range:360-386
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:Walter Block; prolific scholarship; libertarian thought experiments; Austro-libertarian theory;
- Summary/Abstract:I dare say no single person has ever read all of Walter Block’s massive corpus of publications. There are just too many. Walter’s writing spans a large number of topics in Austrian economics and libertarianism as well as in other areas, published over a more than fifty year period. This includes innumerable popular articles, 32 or so books, and hundreds of scholarly journal articles. His first articles were published in 1969; his first piece in a refereed journal was published in 1971, a year before he received his Ph.D. As Walter tells his friends, one of his goals is to publish 1,000 articles in refereed journals and law reviews, and by his count, he’s currently at about 700. So he is on track to meet his goal in about twelve years. He’s only 83 now, after all.
- Price: 5.50 €
The Practical Lessons from Walter Block
The Practical Lessons from Walter Block
(The Practical Lessons from Walter Block)
- Author(s):Stefan Kirkegaard Sløk-Madsen
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Business Economy / Management, Economic policy, Higher Education , State/Government and Education, Sociology of Education
- Page Range:387-390
- No. of Pages:4
- Keywords:Walter Block; free-market scholarship; practical libertarianism; water capitalism; workplace diversity; intellectual passion; creative problem-solving; voluntary solutions;
- Summary/Abstract:Dr. Block has taught me a great deal over the years, for which I am very thankful. His principled quest for truth was an early inspiration to me as a young, free-market-oriented scholar, as it continues to be for thousands, if not millions, of others. He continues to inspire novel solutions based on core principles. As such, in our current world of political correctness and the constant attempts at repression from special interest groups, his bravery remains an academic beacon in the growing darkness.
- Price: 5.50 €
Walter Block on Externality, Public Goods, and Voluntary Government
Walter Block on Externality, Public Goods, and Voluntary Government
(Walter Block on Externality, Public Goods, and Voluntary Government)
- Author(s):Leonid Krasnozhon
- Language:English
- Subject(s):National Economy, Governance, Economic policy, Transport / Logistics
- Page Range:391-399
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Walter Block; public goods provision; Austrian economics; libertarian philosophy; externalities; government intervention critique; voluntary solutions; free-rider problem; roads economics;
- Summary/Abstract:Walter Block’s work has had a prominent influence on debates over the private provision of public services such as roads, education, or national defense. By 2023, Professor Block had more than 12,000 Google Scholar citations. He is the most cited scholar at Loyola University New Orleans. One of Professor Block’s most cited papers is the 1983 “Public Goods and Externalities: The Case of Roads” article published in the Journal of Libertarian Studies. This paper is one of the most influential works in the Austro-libertarian literature. It challenges mainstream economics for assuming that government intervention can correct market failures.
- Price: 5.50 €
Is the US Totalitarian?
Is the US Totalitarian?
(Is the US Totalitarian?)
- Author(s):Mitchell Langbert
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Philosophy, Political Theory, Economic policy, Government/Political systems
- Page Range:400-409
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:Walter Block; freedom; political correctness; totalitarianism;
- Summary/Abstract:In his classic Defending the Undefendable (2018), his three dozen other books, and his hundreds of articles, Walter Block shows us that that freedom is best at creating wealth and wellbeing and that we should think about how to get more of it. The dishonest cop, slumlord, scab, and employer of child labor ultimately serve society, and those who aim to limit freedom thereby limit happiness.
- Price: 5.50 €
An Appreciation of Walter Block, the Scholar and the Man
An Appreciation of Walter Block, the Scholar and the Man
(An Appreciation of Walter Block, the Scholar and the Man)
- Author(s):Peter T. Leeson
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Higher Education , Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Present Times (2010 - today), Sociology of Education
- Page Range:410-411
- No. of Pages:2
- Keywords:Walter Block; mentorship; kindness; Loyola University;
- Summary/Abstract:There’s an old idiom invoked to convey the exceptional uniqueness of certain individuals: “They broke the mold when they made him.” That idiom might be applied to Walter Block - but it would understate the case rather severely. If the rest of us were fashioned in molds, Walter was perhaps spun in a cotton candy machine out of light, heat, and generous spirit.
- Price: 5.50 €
Walter Block and the Economic Freedom of the World Index
Walter Block and the Economic Freedom of the World Index
(Walter Block and the Economic Freedom of the World Index)
- Author(s):John Levendis
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Supranational / Global Economy, Economic policy, Political economy
- Page Range:412-422
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:Walter Block; Economic Freedom of the World Index; free-market capitalism; social indicators correlation;
- Summary/Abstract:Having taught at Loyola University New Orleans for nearly twenty years, I had the pleasure of working with one of the most dedicated scholars alive: Walter Block. Walter has a zealous obsession for uncovering the truth, and a pathological hatred for the State. I love that about him. Regardless of how uncomfortable it may make others feel, or the consequences he may suffer, he always asks the hard questions. He treads fearlessly and relentlessly.
- Price: 5.50 €
Anarcho-capitalism: A View from a Mainstream Economist and Objectivist
Anarcho-capitalism: A View from a Mainstream Economist and Objectivist
(Anarcho-capitalism: A View from a Mainstream Economist and Objectivist)
- Author(s):Robin Lindsey
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Economic policy
- Page Range:423-439
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:Walter Block; anarcho-capitalism; Non Aggression Principle; private roads; libertarian punishment theory;
- Summary/Abstract:Dr. Walter Block is widely recognized and admired as a leading proponent of Austrian economics and Anarcho-capitalism. His writings span a vast range of topics including eminent domain, reparations, political secession, education, roads and the environment. Outside academia he is perhaps best-known for Defending the Undefendable, now in its third edition.
- Price: 5.50 €
Pitfalls of Manichean Libertarianism
Pitfalls of Manichean Libertarianism
(Pitfalls of Manichean Libertarianism)
- Author(s):Mateusz Machaj
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Higher Education , Sociology of Education
- Page Range:440-446
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:Walter Block; Manichean libertarianism; scientific method critique; orthodox vs consequentialist libertarianism;
- Summary/Abstract:I first met Walter Block in 2004, during an exam at Mises University. However, it was “just” a personal meeting, which in a way cemented my acquaintance with him, as I had previously read a lot of his texts and listened to his lectures. The exam confrontation with him as one of my favorite professors is forever etched in my heart and remains one of the most wonderful experiences that I remember as if it were yesterday. Since then, I have seen him many times, during my fellowships and conferences to which he invited me. Every encounter with him was full of joy and warmth, which he exuded towards everyone around him. Our world desperately needs more Walter Blocks, it would definitely become a better one on many fronts.
- Price: 5.50 €
The Walter Block I Know
The Walter Block I Know
(The Walter Block I Know)
- Author(s):Robert W. McGee
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Higher Education , Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010)
- Page Range:447-450
- No. of Pages:4
- Keywords:Walter Block; Defending the Undefendable; Rothbard-Block Theory of Bribery; Murray Rothbard;
- Summary/Abstract:Ah, where to start? I don’t recall exactly when or where I first met Walter Block. It was probably sometime in the 1980s, because that’s when I started writing libertarian stuff. Prior to that I wrote bland, meaningless, technical articles and books on accounting and taxation that had a shelf life of about 6 months. I probably met him at a libertarian conference somewhere. That’s the kind of place you could find him in those days.
- Price: 5.50 €
Walter Block, Teddy Bear
Walter Block, Teddy Bear
(Walter Block, Teddy Bear)
- Author(s):Allen Mendenhall
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Philosophy, Economic policy, Higher Education , Present Times (2010 - today), Sociology of Education
- Page Range:451-452
- No. of Pages:2
- Keywords:Walter Block; Austrian Scholars Conference; Mises Institute; libertarian coauthorship;
- Summary/Abstract:Walter Block is a ruthless timekeeper. I know this because, when I first met him at the 2012 Austrian Scholars Conference at the Mises Institute, he chaired our panel on “The State, Class and Property” and assigned each panelist precisely 15 minutes to present. He cut us off, abruptly, at the conclusion of our allotted time, interrupting my talk as I neared its grand finale.
- Price: 5.50 €
An Essay on a Wise Man’s Teaching
An Essay on a Wise Man’s Teaching
(An Essay on a Wise Man’s Teaching)
- Author(s):Matthew Modisette
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Business Economy / Management, Political Philosophy, Business Ethics
- Page Range:453-457
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:markets and morality; rational choice theory; Adam Smith; Bernard Gert;
- Summary/Abstract:A wise man once taught me something, a kernel of truth that has cemented itself in my thought since the very day it was said to me. To my instructor, this did not, from my perspective at least, appear to be of any profound importance, merely another fact on the topic at hand. But to me, it was almost revolutionary in my understanding. This lesson had to deal with the nature of markets, specifically that they, by their nature, are not bound by moral rules. Prior to this, my understanding of markets had been somewhat vague, a general idea regarding some arrangement or mechanism whereby buyers and sellers, motivated by self-interest, come together to voluntarily exchange goods and services. From this conception alone, there appears no sign of some moral rule to follow or duty to meet. And yet, upon hearing that morality has no place with markets, I was immediately struck in an almost off-putting way. Such a characterization reminded me of some kind of Machiavellian realism, one characterized by cynicism, deception, and coercion, where in all cases, the ends justify the means. In spite of this, an important concept had eluded my understanding: how could morality actually be an inherent and governing aspect of the market? To dive into this, the nature of morality had to be considered.
- Price: 5.50 €
Walter Block on Discrimination
Walter Block on Discrimination
(Walter Block on Discrimination)
- Author(s):Roberta Adelaide Modugno
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Economic policy, Military policy
- Page Range:458-464
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:Walter Block; discrimination debate; libertarian rights; women in the military;
- Summary/Abstract:My first meeting with Walter Block was particularly significant for me and, I can say, it has had a great influence on my academic career. I met Block in September 1997, in Rome, at a gathering of the International Society for Individual Liberty. This meeting had been organized by a friend of mine and she invited me to give a paper, as I was writing my first monograph on Murray N. Rothbard, the first in Italy. Block was struck by the fact that a young Italian scholar had become passionate about Rothbard. I remember that during the session’s questions from the audience, he asked me whether I had studied Rothbard with the attitude of a cold and detached scholar, as an entomologist studies a beetle or if I sympathized with his theories and I replied that I loved Rothbardian theories very much and that I was very impressed by them. He seemed very happy with my answer! At the end of the lecture, I introduced myself to Block and he suggested that I contact the Ludwig von Mises Institute in order to attend the Austrian Scholars Conference, which I did. So, thanks to this suggestion by Block I became aware of the Ludwig von Mises Institute, which has turned out to be so important for my intellectual growth and with which I actively collaborate. So, writing an essay in honor of Block is a double pleasure for me.
- Price: 5.50 €
Walter Block: The Un-Zelig
Walter Block: The Un-Zelig
(Walter Block: The Un-Zelig)
- Author(s):Michael C. Munger
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Film / Cinema / Cinematography, Transport / Logistics
- Page Range:465-470
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Walter Block; private roads debate; blackmail legality; libertarian consistency;
- Summary/Abstract:In Woody Allen’s 1983 movie “Zelig,” there was a man - Leonard Zelig - who was present and visible in all the great events over a period of decades (the ‘20s, ‘30s, and ‘40s), but had neither an independent personality nor any influence on those events. Like a chameleon, Zelig adopted the colors of his surroundings; like tofu, Zelig simply absorbed the flavors of other ingredients.
- Price: 5.50 €
Reconciling God with Libertarian Theory
Reconciling God with Libertarian Theory
(Reconciling God with Libertarian Theory)
- Author(s):Robert P. Murphy
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Political Philosophy, Biblical studies
- Page Range:471-489
- No. of Pages:19
- Keywords:Biblical God and libertarianism; Misesian praxeology critique; argumentation ethics debate; Walter Block;
- Summary/Abstract:This chapter seeks to incorporate the possibility of the Biblical God with standard frameworks in the Austro-libertarian paradigm, including Misesian praxeology and Hoppe’s argumentation ethics. It demonstrates that the ostensible paradoxes of the Biblical God fall away when taking His nature seriously, and that leading arguments for libertarian ethics are susceptible to objections based on one’s theological views.
- Price: 5.50 €
Walter Block: The Myth, the Man, and Don Quixote
Walter Block: The Myth, the Man, and Don Quixote
(Walter Block: The Myth, the Man, and Don Quixote)
- Author(s):Nadia E. Nedzel
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Philosophy, Other Language Literature, Government/Political systems
- Page Range:490-491
- No. of Pages:2
- Keywords:Walter Block as Don Quixote; libertarian critique of government; controversial individual rights; mentorship and scholarship;
- Summary/Abstract:In Cervantes’ Don Quixote, the protagonist is famous for tilting at windmills he believes are evil giants. Tilting refers to how the knights of yore made war, attacking someone with a lance, on horseback and wearing heavy armor. The myth of Walter Block, propounded by his political enemies, is that he attacks those things held most dear to the liberal agenda: welfare programs, big government, taxes, etc., and that he does so by saying outrageous things. An anarchic libertarian, he is steadfastly against almost all government, and proudly proclaims that no one is to his right. Dr. Block was barred from addressing Federalist Society presentations at Nadia’s Historically Black Law School because he posited that people should be allowed to sell themselves into slavery. (In fact, after his address, the entire Federalist Society Chapter was informally barred from SULC for a while, until one of my mentees revived it). The law school – as well as the New York Times – eagerly jumped in logic from his extreme statement about individual rights to the assumption that he was promoting slavery, an assumption that the New York Times ultimately regretted. Walter’s armor, apparently, was a solid argument based on libel (though we will never know for sure due to a settlement agreement requiring Walter’s silence).
- Price: 5.50 €
Good Government: A Short-Short Story
Good Government: A Short-Short Story
(Good Government: A Short-Short Story)
- Author(s):Marty Nemko
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Philosophy, Economic policy, Government/Political systems
- Page Range:492-493
- No. of Pages:2
- Keywords:Youthful rebellion; libertarian independence; government overreach; personal initiative;
- Summary/Abstract:I admire Walter Block for his prolificness and bravery in the face of the Stalinesque assaults he’s long faced. As impressive is his balancing equanimity with continuing effort to spread the libertarian gospel. It is in Dr. Block’s honor and with him in mind, that I write this short-short story.
- Price: 5.50 €
The U.S. Constitution ‒ Conquest, not Contract
The U.S. Constitution ‒ Conquest, not Contract
(The U.S. Constitution ‒ Conquest, not Contract)
- Author(s):Patrick Newman
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Constitutional Law, Political Philosophy, Economic policy
- Page Range:494-496
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Festschrift contribution; U.S. Constitution origins; critique of Calculus of Consent; conquest vs. consent theory;
- Summary/Abstract:I was very grateful to receive an invitation to contribute to this Festschrift in honor of Walter Block. While I have not extensively corresponded with Walter, nor coauthored with him, Walter has always been very kind to me as a young scholar. For example, I fondly remember being invited to dinner with him and Mark Skousen during the Mises Institute’s 2023 Austrian Economics Research Conference, where they shared personal reminescences of Murray N. Rothbard and the Austrian economics movement.
- Price: 5.50 €
The Dangers of a Digital Euro
The Dangers of a Digital Euro
(The Dangers of a Digital Euro)
- Author(s):Thorsten Polleit
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Philosophy, Economic policy, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development, Financial Markets, Human Resources in Economy
- Page Range:497-499
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Digital euro; central bank digital currency (CBDC); financial surveillance; fiat money risks; ECB monetary control;
- Summary/Abstract:Neosocialist China does it, Sweden does it, and many other states want to do it, too: to issue digitized central bank money for everyone. The European Central Bank (ECB) is also working on such a scheme. It wants to launch “digital euro central bank money” as soon as possible. Many economists praise the project as an “innovation,” as an important and indispensable step in an increasingly digitized world.
- Price: 5.50 €
The Employer of Illegal Immigrants: Defending the Undefendable
The Employer of Illegal Immigrants: Defending the Undefendable
(The Employer of Illegal Immigrants: Defending the Undefendable)
- Author(s):Benjamin Powell
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Labor relations, Economic policy, Socio-Economic Research, Asylum, Refugees, Migration as Policy-fields
- Page Range:500-505
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Immigration; illegal immigrant employment; libertarian ethics; private property rights; economic freedom;
- Summary/Abstract:I remember the joy of reading Walter Block’s Defending the Undefendable when I was a first-year graduate student studying economics. I would read a chapter or two each night before bed. Unfortunately for my wife, she probably remembers me frequently flipping the light back on, shortly after putting the book down, because I had been struck by an idea for another chapter and needed to write it down. The slip of paper with those ideas is still in my copy of the book. The invitation to contribute to this festschrift provided the perfect opportunity to finally write one of those chapters. Defending the Undefendable is probably Walter’s most famous book. He’s also known among his peers for his arguments in favor of free immigration, a topic I’ve also written a fair bit about. So, I thought the best way I could honor Walter would be to combine these themes and defend the employers of illegal immigrants.
- Price: 5.50 €
A Short Tribute to Walter Block
A Short Tribute to Walter Block
(A Short Tribute to Walter Block)
- Author(s):Douglas B. Rasmussen, Douglas J. Den Uyl
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Political Philosophy
- Page Range:506-506
- No. of Pages:1
- Keywords:Walter Block; intellectual integrity; non-aggression principle; defending liberty; challenging orthodoxy;
- Summary/Abstract:This is a short tribute to Walter Block. Though we disagree on many points, we nonetheless appreciate Walter’s intellectual integrity and his willingness to consider the unthinkable, defend the undefendable, and in general be the skunk at the garden party of statists! The most admirable thing about Walter - and to some this is his major intellectual vice - is that he is willing to bite the bullet in defending the principle of non-aggression. He accepts the consequences of liberty no matter what.
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A Libertarian View of Secession
A Libertarian View of Secession
(A Libertarian View of Secession)
- Author(s):J.W. Rich
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Political Philosophy, Governance, Geopolitics
- Page Range:507-512
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Libertarianism; secession; non-aggression principle; state illegitimacy; individual and state rights;
- Summary/Abstract:The concept of secession has long been associated with Libertarian thought. From the Classical Liberal tradition, all the way to Ludwig von Mises and Murray Rothbard, allies of liberty have consistently upheld the right to secede from the state. Even so, the issue of secession is more complicated than a first glance might suggest. When we speak of secession, are we talking about secession on an individual, group, or state-wide level? Is secession permissible in all circumstances or only in some? If only in some circumstances, what circumstances? Furthermore, should Libertarians even encourage secession at all? Is secession a valuable weapon to wield against the state? To answer these and other questions, a full analysis of secession through the lens of Libertarian theory and strategy is necessary.
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More than just a name – The Greatest Acknowledgment
More than just a name – The Greatest Acknowledgment
(More than just a name – The Greatest Acknowledgment)
- Author(s):Luis Rivera
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Sociology
- Page Range:513-513
- No. of Pages:1
- Keywords:Tribute; admiration; humility; integrity; inspiration; Walter Block;
- Summary/Abstract:Dear Walter, You are many things I hope my newly born son (Aiden Walter Rivera: 8lbs. 7oz.) attempts to be. You are humble despite your accomplishments. You are a gentleman even towards people that do not deserve your respect. You are tirelessly working when you can comfortably retire. You attempt to change the world for the better even though you yourself believe that you won’t see it come to fruition. You speak the truth in the face of lying bullies. You welcome opposing views rather than shutting them down. You are the most noble man I have ever come across. Today, my son was born and he will be forever tied to you in at least one way.
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Walter Block Honor Speech
Walter Block Honor Speech
(Walter Block Honor Speech)
- Author(s):Daniel Rothschild
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Education, Political Philosophy, Sociology, Higher Education
- Page Range:514-516
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Tribute; mentorship; generosity; humility; intellectual courage; principle; debate; truth-seeking; libertarianism; inspiration;
- Summary/Abstract:It is a great privilege to write this speech in honor of my friend and mentor Walter Block. Walter Block is not only a great libertarian theorist and Austrian economist (or in a just world, simply an economist), Walter is, more importantly, a great and humble human being. For you to get a sense of the type of person Walter Block is let me tell you about my first correspondence with Walter.
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When an Australian met Professor Block
When an Australian met Professor Block
(When an Australian met Professor Block)
- Author(s):Sukrit Sabhlok
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Education, Political Philosophy, Sociology, Higher Education
- Page Range:517-518
- No. of Pages:2
- Keywords:Walter Block; Tribute; mentorship; scholarship; liberty;
- Summary/Abstract:Professor Walter Block is a gifted and productive scholar who has written hundreds of peer-reviewed articles and about two dozen books. His dedication to finding the truth is an inspiration for many, including me. I first met Professor Block when he visited Australia in 2012 to deliver a series of lectures at the Mises Seminar. As a director at the Liberty Australia Institute, I served on the organizational committee that flew him to Australia with financial assistance from the late Neville Kennard.
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Say’s Law versus Keynes’s Law
Say’s Law versus Keynes’s Law
(Say’s Law versus Keynes’s Law)
- Author(s):Mark Skousen
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Business Economy / Management, Political Philosophy, Economic development
- Page Range:519-526
- No. of Pages:18
- Keywords:Mark Block; Entrepreneurship; Say’s law; production; innovation;
- Summary/Abstract:Personal Note: Over the years, I’ve discovered there are two kinds of academics. There are college professors who are arrogant, closed minded, hold grudges, refuse to debate and even refuse to answer letters, emails, texts or phone calls. And there are ones who are open minded, willing to debate, and respond to inquiries, even from strangers. They are willing to take on all comers. Walter Block, who teaches at Loyola University in New Orleans, fits into the latter category. We’ve been friendly debaters for years, despite sometimes heated arguments on anarchy, religion, Adam Smith, and my gross output (GO) statistic. He can disagree without being disagreeable. I admire that. I’m a better economist because of his arguments. With enemies like Walter Block, who needs friends?
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Block against the Blockheads: Learning from Economics and the Absurd
Block against the Blockheads: Learning from Economics and the Absurd
(Block against the Blockheads: Learning from Economics and the Absurd)
- Author(s):Nicholas A. Snow
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Economic policy
- Page Range:527-536
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:Reductio ad absurdum; Walter Block; Bastiat; Austro-Libertarianism;
- Summary/Abstract:F.A. Hayek (1988, 76) famously said, “the curious task of economics is to demonstrate to men how little they really know about what they imagine they can design.” And this is, unfortunately for us economists, a thankless task. Afterall, the world is filled with men who have earned the title of what Adam Smith (1976 [1790], 233-234) referred to as, the man of the system, who is, “apt to be wise in his own conceit; and is so enamored with the supposed beauty of his own ideal plan of government, that he cannot suffer the smallest deviation from any part of it… He seems to imagine that he can arrange the different members of a great society with as much ease as the hand arranges the different pieces upon a chess-board.”
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Defending the Defendable
Defending the Defendable
(Defending the Defendable)
- Author(s):Clifford F. Thies
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Economic policy
- Page Range:537-541
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:Walter Block; Defending the Undefendable; Economic Freedom; Libertarianism;
- Summary/Abstract:Walter Block and I go back a long way, to or almost to the days of Ayn Rand’s inner circle and Ludwig von Mises’ seminar at New York University. In Walter’s case, he followed Murray Rothbard to Columbia University. There, Walter wrote his dissertation on rent control under Gary Becker, gaining his Ph.D. in 1972.1 He then bounced from one to another academic position in the New York metropolitan area before landing at the Fraser Institute in British Columbia in 1979 as senior economist. In 1991, he was named Associate Professor at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts; and, in 1997, Chair of the Department of Economics and Finance and Professor at the University of Central Arkansas. In 2001, he was named the Harold E. Wirth Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair in Economics at Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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Defending Walter Block through Thick and Thin
Defending Walter Block through Thick and Thin
(Defending Walter Block through Thick and Thin)
- Author(s):Mark Thornton
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Philosophy, Economic policy, Law on Economics
- Page Range:542-549
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Walter Block; Thin Libertarianism; Defending the Undefendable; Property Rights;
- Summary/Abstract:I have known Walter Block for many years and consider him a colleague and friend, but at the beginning of my career journey in Austrian economics he was an unlikely influence on my graduate studies and research path trajectory. Here, I defend him as a prominent proponent of the “thin” version of libertarianism, where he has argued in favor of principle and theory, over personal bias, expediency, and politics.
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How Does Walter Block’s Defense of the Undefendable Relate to John Paul Sartre’s Recognition that Hell Is Other People?
How Does Walter Block’s Defense of the Undefendable Relate to John Paul Sartre’s Recognition that Hell Is Other People?
(How Does Walter Block’s Defense of the Undefendable Relate to John Paul Sartre’s Recognition that Hell Is Other People?)
- Author(s):Richard E. Wagner
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, French Literature
- Page Range:550-560
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:Walter Block; Defending the Undefendable; Sartre No Exit; Voluntary Exchange; Private vs Public Ordering;
- Summary/Abstract:This essay is my contribution to a Festschrift in honor of Walter Block. I focus this essay on Block’s book from 1976, Defending the Undefendable. Among the 32 characters Block defends are pimps, prostitutes, scabs, and slumlords. After describing the book’s contents, the remainder of this essay refracts Block’s book through John Paul Sartre’s play from 1947, No Exit. Toward the end of that play, Sartre has his character Garcin exclaim that “Hell is other people!” This outburst occurs within a play with only three characters, though a valet also appears early in the play, never to be seen again after introducing the three main characters. Why I conjoin Sartre and Block resides in my recognition (Wagner 2023) that the proper subject of economic theory is society approached through the universality of economizing action and not the focus on resource administration that was set in motion in 1871 with the marginal revolution.
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Human Action, Uncertainty, and the Best Possible World
Human Action, Uncertainty, and the Best Possible World
(Human Action, Uncertainty, and the Best Possible World)
- Author(s):Igor Wysocki
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Sociology, Behaviorism
- Page Range:561-577
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:Austrian economics; Human action; Uncertainty and determinism; Laplacian calculator; Libertarian freedom; Predictability of choices;
- Summary/Abstract:This chapter attempts to demonstrate – contra Austrian economists – that uncertainty about the future is not a necessary condition of human action. To this end, we first resort to a thought experiment involving consulting a Laplacian calculator, with the Laplacian calculator resting on the assumption of determinism and perfect knowledge and depicting the actor’s actions (including, most interestingly, his future actions). We posit that it is at least possible that the future actions unfolding in the Laplacian calculator will be such that the actor will find them optimal in the sense that, given the actor’s preferences, she would have the most reason to take them. Moreover, to generalize our point, we show that the fact that human action does not imply uncertainty is not predicated on the truth of determinism. For this purpose, we envisage a Laplacian supercalculator, with such a machine representing the knowledge of all possible worlds coupled with the actor’s metaphysical libertarian freedom. Now, given the actor’s actual preferences and the knowledge of all the possible worlds still accessible from the actual world, the actor would simply pick a world best aligned with his actual current preferences. But if so, then again there seems to be a scenario wherein there is no uncertainty even though metaphysical libertarian freedom was assumed. If our thought experiments prove to be coherently described, then ipso facto there seems to be a case against human action as implying uncertainty.
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We’re All Coasians Now … Well, Not Quite All
We’re All Coasians Now … Well, Not Quite All
(We’re All Coasians Now … Well, Not Quite All)
- Author(s):Andrew T. Young
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Recent History (1900 till today), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010)
- Page Range:578-589
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:College of the Holy Cross; Walter Block; Coase Theorem; Psychic Income;
- Summary/Abstract:When I arrived at the College of the Holy Cross in Fall 1993, I was intent on pursuing studies in political science. But by the end of my sophomore year, I knew that my future was in economics, not only in terms of majoring but also in pursuing graduate studies afterwards. Among many wonderful professors, I owe two particular thanks for my change in academic paths: Walter Block and Nick Sanchez. While the latter first introduced me to economics – and can be greatly credited with convincing me that the economic way of thinking was indispensable – Walter showed me that scholarly debate in economics could be a lively, thrilling, and rewarding endeavor.
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Walter Block and Ayn Rand: A Comparison
Walter Block and Ayn Rand: A Comparison
(Walter Block and Ayn Rand: A Comparison)
- Author(s):Edward Younkins
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economy, Political Philosophy, Special Branches of Philosophy
- Page Range:590-596
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:Walter Block; Ayn Rand; Objectivism; Libertarianism;
- Summary/Abstract:Walter Block (WB) had a relationship with Ayn Rand (AR) and her philosophy of Objectivism. Walter had been a left liberal until he met Ayn Rand at a presentation she gave at his college and shortly thereafter attended between six and eight gatherings at Rand’s home to discuss Objectivism with her and her main followers including Barbara and Nathaniel Branden, Leonard Piekoff, and Alan Greenspan. After those visits and after reading two books, Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged and Henry Hazlitt’s Economics in One Lesson, he converted to laissez-faire capitalism. He loved the inspiring economics that they were supporting but said that he was not interested in areas such as metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics, and so on. Although WB was enchanted by Objectivist economics, he was repulsed by the cultism that he observed and experienced at various meetings that he attended. As a result, he stopped attending such meetings for a while, returned later, but was still not happy with a lot of what he saw and heard. Later, as a PhD student at Columbia University, he met the libertarian anarcho-capitalist, Murray Rothbard, talked with him, and was converted to anarcho-capitalism. He had found his intellectual home. Despite that, he has gone back to read Atlas Shrugged approximately every ten years.
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