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.
From Optimism to Pessimism: The Case of Herbert Spencer, Part 6
Smith discusses how Spencer applied his general principles to nineteenth-century Germany and France, and how his analyses contributed to his pessimistic outlook on the future of freedom.
From Optimism to Pessimism: The Case of Herbert Spencer, Part 5
Smith discusses some of Spencer’s concerns about the intellectual and moral obstacles to achieving a free society.
From Optimism to Pessimism: The Case of Herbert Spencer, Part 4
Smith discusses Spencer’s theory of social progress, while calling attention to some of its theoretical problems.
From Optimism to Pessimism: The Case of Herbert Spencer, Part 3
Smith discusses Spencer’s opposition to the Boer War—a cause that dominated the last several years of his life.
From Optimism to Pessimism: The Case of Herbert Spencer, Part 2
Smith discusses the controversy about Spencer’s use of opium and its possible effect on his later pessimism.
From Optimism to Pessimism: The Case of Herbert Spencer, Part 1
Smith begins his series on Spencer’s pessimistic outlook on the future of freedom and the reasons behind it.
Thomas Hodgskin Versus Jeremy Bentham
Smith discusses Thomas Hodgskin’s critique of utilitarianism and taxation, and his contention that the primary concern of legislators is to preserve their own power.
Jeremy Bentham’s Attack on Natural Rights
Smith discusses the utilitarianism of Jeremy Bentham and why it so alarmed the defenders of natural rights.
Thomas Hodgskin: Libertarian Extraordinaire, Part 4
Smith continues his discussion of Thomas Hodgskin by exploring some of the key arguments in his neglected book on economics, Popular Political Economy.
Thomas Hodgskin: Libertarian Extraordinaire, Part 3
Smith begins his discussion of the free-market theories of Thomas Hodgskin.
Thomas Hodgskin: Libertarian Extraordinaire, Part 2
Smith discusses Thomas Hodgskin’s most controversial work, Labour Defended Against the Claims of Capital.
Thomas Hodgskin: Libertarian Extraordinaire, Part 1
Smith begins his series on Thomas Hodgskin, one of the most remarkable, if little known and unjustly neglected, libertarian thinkers of the nineteenth century.