The Cato Home Study Course, Vol. 10: The Achievements of Nineteenth Century Classical Liberalism
This audio course shows how classical liberalism developed in Europe and America in the nineteenth century.
George H. Smith was formerly Senior Research Fellow for the Institute for Humane Studies, a lecturer on American History for Cato Summer Seminars, and Executive Editor of Knowledge Products. Smith's fourth and most recent book, The System of Liberty, was published by Cambridge University Press in 2013.
This audio course shows how classical liberalism developed in Europe and America in the nineteenth century.
Smith discusses the mutual misunderstandings of Spencer and George, and George’s effective criticism of Spencer’s weak defense of private property.
Smith explains Herbert Spencer’s fundamental objection to the private ownership of land.
The final module of the Cato University curriculum examines the rebirth of libertarian thought from the 1940s onward.
Smith explains and criticizes two more of Spencer’s arguments against private property in land.
Smith discusses some criticisms by Auberon Herbert and Thomas Hodgskin of Spencer’s position on land.
Smith concludes his in-depth examination of Spencer’s fundamental objection to the private ownership of land.
Smith discusses the common allegation that Spencer took many of his ideas from Hodgskin without acknowledging their source.
Smith continues his series on the thought of Thomas Hodgskin by explaining his belief in natural property rights.
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 discusses the complex personal relationships among three leading classical liberals in Victorian England.
Smith criticizes an influential book by Mark Francis, Herbert Spencer and the Invention of Modern Life.
Smith discusses the significant role played by John Chapman in the lives of Herbert Spencer, George Eliot, and G. H. Lewes.
Smith explains what Adam Smith meant by the “invisible hand” and how he used this explanatory method throughout his writings.
George Smith discusses some of Adam Smith’s social, political, and moral objections to governmental interference in the economy, as found in the Wealth of Nations.
George Smith discusses Adam Smith’s views on sin taxes and slavery.
George Smith explores Adam Smith’s views on Columbus, smuggling, and education.
George Smith discusses Adam Smith’s views on a standing army and his arguments for competition in education.