Essays
The Paradox of Morality
In this essay, the Chinese economist and intellectual and social entrepreneur Mao Yushi explains the role that markets play in bringing about concord and cooperation.
Critics of State Education Part 2: The British Voluntaryists
Smith turns to the philosophy of Voluntaryism, discussing how its proponents fought against state control of education in the nineteenth century.
Critics of State Education Part 1: Joseph Priestley
Smith begins his series on the critics of state education with a discussion of Joseph Priestley, the Englishman who discovered oxygen.
The Roots of State Education Part 3: Aristotle and Civic Virtue
Smith continues his examination of the intellectual roots of state education by turning to the views of Plato’s most famous student.
Why “Libertarian” Defenses of the Confederacy and “States’ Rights” are Incoherent
Blanks argues that there is no good libertarian reason to support the South’s secession prior to the Civil War.
Critical Rationalism
Lester introduces the Popperian theory of “critical rationalism,” which holds that all knowledge is ultimately only fallible theory.
The Roots of State Education Part 2: Plato’s Case Against Free-Market Education
History’s first great philosopher wasn’t a fan of educational freedom.
The Roots of State Education Part 1: The Spartan Model
Smith discusses how the educational system of Sparta influenced later advocates of state education.
Class for Classical Liberals
Charles Murray’s new book raises intriguing questions—but is far less objectionable than one might think.
Monopolies, Mercantilism, Illegal Buttons, and Saltpeter Men
A glance at some economic regulations from the past.
Fingering the King on the Road to Independence
The Coercive Acts led Americans to blame the king for the conspiracy to strip them of their rights and liberties.
The Coercive Acts and Their Theoretical Significance
The British response to the Boston Tea Party and the revolution-sparking Coercive Acts.