Essays
Among My Favorites: History of Civilization in England, by H. T. Buckle, Part 3
Smith explores Buckle’s claim that the “protective spirit” of governments has hindered the progress of civilization.
Among My Favorites: History of Civilization in England, by H. T. Buckle, Part 2
Smith discusses Buckle’s stress on the importance of ideas in the progress of civilization.
Natural Rights and the Moral Foundations of Libertarianism, Part 2
After discussing some implications of early works on international law for libertarian theory, Smith concludes with a defense of Ayn Rand’s theory of rights.
Natural Rights and the Moral Foundations of Libertarianism, Part 1
Smith discusses the meaning of “natural rights” and some historical aspects of this theory.
Among My Favorites: History of Civilization in England, by H. T. Buckle, Part 1
Smith begins his discussion of one of the most libertarian works on history ever written.
Defending the Non-Aggression Principle: A Reply to Matt Zwolinski Part 5
Smith discusses various formulations of the non-aggression principle and concludes with some remarks about the problem of pollution.
Defending the Non-Aggression Principle: A Reply to Matt Zwolinski Part 4
Smith presents the rudiments of a theory of children’s rights.
Defending the Non-Aggression Principle: A Reply to Matt Zwolinski Part 3
Smith criticizes Zwolinski’s discussions of risk, fraud, and the relationship between aggression and property rights.
Defending the Non-Aggression Principle: A Reply to Matt Zwolinski Part 2
Smith examines the argument that minor acts of aggression are morally permissible if they result in good consequences that offset an unjust act.
Defending the Non-Aggression Principle: A Reply to Matt Zwolinski, Part 1
Smith examines the claim that the non-aggression principle should be viewed as a defeasible presumption.
Ludwig von Mises and Economic Calculation Under Socialism, Part 2
Smith explains why Mises predicted that “planned chaos” would emerge in a socialist economy and how F.A. Hayek elaborated on that insight.
Ludwig von Mises and Economic Calculation Under Socialism, Part 1
Smith discusses the theory of value that provided the foundation for the Misesian argument that rational economic calculation is impossible in a socialistic economy.