A Gossipy Interlude: George Eliot, Herbert Spencer, and John Chapman, Part 2
Smith criticizes an influential book by Mark Francis, Herbert Spencer and the Invention of Modern Life.
Smith criticizes an influential book by Mark Francis, Herbert Spencer and the Invention of Modern Life.
Smith discusses the complex personal relationships among three leading classical liberals in Victorian England.
Smith compares the positions of Hodgskin and Smith on the history of landownership, and their opposition to the political power of the landed aristocracy.
Smith continues his series on the thought of Thomas Hodgskin by explaining his belief in natural property rights.
Smith discusses the common allegation that Spencer took many of his ideas from Hodgskin without acknowledging their source.
Smith concludes his in-depth examination of Spencer’s fundamental objection to the private ownership of land.
Smith discusses some criticisms by Auberon Herbert and Thomas Hodgskin of Spencer’s position on land.
Smith explains and criticizes two more of Spencer’s arguments against private property in land.
Smith explains Herbert Spencer’s fundamental objection to the private ownership of land.
Smith discusses the mutual misunderstandings of Spencer and George, and George’s effective criticism of Spencer’s weak defense of private property.
Smith discusses Henry George’s allegation that Spencer’s later views on land ownership were intellectually dishonest.
Smith discusses Buckle’s claim that Adam Smith was one of the most brilliant and influential thinkers in the history of the modern world.
Smith explores Buckle’s claim that the “protective spirit” of governments has hindered the progress of civilization.
George H. Smith discusses Buckle’s stress on the importance of ideas in the progress of civilization.
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.
George H. Smith discusses the meaning of “natural rights” and some historical aspects of this theory.
Smith begins his discussion of one of the most libertarian works on history ever written.
George H. Smith discusses various formulations of the non-aggression principle and concludes with some remarks about the problem of pollution.