So, instead, I offer this philosophical argument for discussion, based on
John Stuart Mill's _Utilitarianism_. I use his definition of "utility."
1) Any political system which maximizes utility is an ethical political
system.
2) Libertarianism maximizes utility.
3) Therefore, libertarianism is an ethical political system.
Now, I think most would agree simply by looking that my argument that it at
least VALID; my conclusion follows directly from its premises. Anyone who
would argue that my argument is false must take issue with my premises.
Unfortunately, I do not consider myself qualified to defend these claims
sufficiently. Instead, I will allow the great thinkers to defend their own
claims.
First, is utilitarianism really an ethical political philosophy?. John
Stuart Mill's _Utilitarianism_ is arguably the most important text in
defense of utility. Any attacks on utilitarianism itself must be directed
at HIS arguments. Mine would barely pale in comparison.
gopher://gopher.vt.edu:10010/02/122/3
But even if we grant that utilitarianism is an ethical political
philosophy, does libertarianism actually maximize utility? Again, I am not
the man to argue this point. Who is? John Stuart Mill is, in _On
Liberty_. ftp://wiretap.area.com/Library/Classic/liberty.jsm
Adam Smith is seminal in this discussion of capitalism and well-being, in
his _Wealth of Nations_.
http://www.bibliomania.com/NonFiction/Smith/Wealth/index.html
David Friedman provides a fascinating argument in his book, _The Machinery
of Freedom_, which argues that utilitarianism and libertarianism tend to
overlap. This book is not available for free redistribution; however, a
few of the relevant chapters of his book are available on-line. Read
chapters 41-43.
http://www.best.com/~ddfr/Libertarian/Machinery_of_Freedom/MofF_Contents.html
This list is nowhere near complete... However, it does cover some of the
significant authors relevant to my argument. Off the top of my head I can
already think of two or three relevant authors... I chose these because
they are well-known and because I knew I could find them on-line.
Read them, if you haven't already. And if you STILL want to argue moral
philosophy, then please provide a point by point demonstration as to why
these political philosophers are wrong.
Until then...
-SAVE THE WHALES-
-COLLECT THE WHOLE SET-