Excursions
The purpose of these Excursions is to explore the fascinating and complex history of libertarian ideas. Over four decades of reading, writing, and lecturing on the history of libertarianism have taught Smith an important lesson, namely, that the theories of some early libertarian thinkers were sometimes better and more sophisticated than the theories we take for granted today.
Lord Acton and the History of Liberty, Part 3
Smith discusses Acton’s thesis that the conflict between church and state in medieval Europe was vital to the progress of freedom.
Lord Acton and the History of Liberty, Part 2
Smith discusses some common criticisms of Lord Acton and other classical liberal historians.
Lord Acton and the History of Liberty, Part 1
Smith discusses some of Lord Acton’s ideas about freedom and their relevance to the modern libertarian movement.
Freedom, Rights, and Political Philosophy, Part 5
Smith explores some theoretical aspects of a rights-based conception of freedom.
Freedom, Rights, and Political Philosophy, Part 4
Smith discusses a metaphor that was widely used by early libertarian writers who defended the natural equality of humankind.
Freedom, Rights, and Political Philosophy, Part 3
Smith discusses the crucial distinction between political obligation and political allegiance, and how the problem of allegiance was the major concern of John Locke.
Freedom, Rights, and Political Philosophy, Part 2
Smith discusses the major criticism of natural rights and the consent theory of government – that these doctrines will land us in anarchy.Freedom, Rights, and Political Philosophy, Part 1
Smith broadens his discussion of a rights-based theory of freedom with an overview of modern political philosophy, especially its development during the seventeenth century.
Negative and Positive Liberty: Some Historical Reflections
Smith considers the different conceptions of freedom defended by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke.
How Well Do You Know Libertarian History?
Smith interrupts his usual series with a 30-question trivia quiz.
Thoughts on Libertarian Strategy for the New Year
Smith interrupts his series on negative and positive liberty to discuss his ideas about “strategic Taoism.”
Negative and Positive Liberty, Part 2
Smith discusses some of the problems in libertarian theory caused by the many different conceptions of liberty.