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Libertarianism: What Everyone Needs to Know® 1st Edition, Kindle Edition
by Jason Brennan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (52)
Part of: What Everyone Needs To Know? (158 books)
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Historically, Americans have seen libertarians as far outside the mainstream, but with the rise of the Tea Party movement, libertarian principles have risen to the forefront of Republican politics. But libertarianism is more than the philosophy of individual freedom and unfettered markets that Republicans have embraced. Indeed, as Jason Brennan points out, libertarianism is a quite different--and far richer--system of thought than most of us suspect.
In this timely new entry in Oxford's acclaimed series What Everyone Needs to Know®, Brennan offers a nuanced portrait of libertarianism, proceeding through a series of questions to illuminate the essential elements of libertarianism and the problems the philosophy addresses, including such topics as the Value of Liberty, Human Nature and Ethics, Economic Liberty, Civil Rights, Social Justice and the Poor, Government and Democracy, and Contemporary Politics. Brennan asks the most fundamental and challenging questions: What do Libertarians think liberty is? Do libertarians think everyone should be selfish? Are libertarians just out to protect the interests of big business? What do libertarians think we should do about racial injustice? What would libertarians do about pollution? Are Tea Party activists true libertarians? As he sheds light on libertarian beliefs, Brennan overturns numerous misconceptions. Libertarianism is not about simple-minded paranoia about government, he writes. Rather, it celebrates the ideal of peaceful cooperation among free and equal people. Libertarians believe that the rich always capture political power; they want to minimize the power available to them in order to protect the weak. Brennan argues that libertarians are, in fact, animated by benevolence and a deep concern for the poor.
Clear, concise, and incisively written, this volume explains a vitally important philosophy in American history--and a potent force in contemporary politics.
What Everyone Needs to Know® is a registered trademark of Oxford University Press.
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"Brennan, ethics and economics scholar, offers a very clear and concise explanation of libertarianism, its historical roots, and its increasing relevance to contemporary politics...A fascinating primer on a philosophy that is gaining attention." -Booklist
From the Publisher
Jason Brennan is Assistant Professor of Ethics, Economics, and Public Policy at Georgetown University. He is the author of The Ethics of Voting and co-author of A Brief History of Liberty. He also writes for the popular blog Bleeding Heart Libertarians.
Product details
ASIN : B009INECOA
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Accessibility : Learn more
Publication date : 15 October 2012
Edition : 1st
Language : English
File size : 717 KB
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Not Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 232 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-0199986972
Page Flip : Enabled
Part of series : What Everyone Needs To Know?
Best Sellers Rank: 940,195 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)648 in Political Ideologies Textbooks
669 in Political History Textbooks
1,419 in Political History (Kindle Store)
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4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (52)
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Libertarianism: What Everyone Needs to Know®About the author
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Jason Brennan
Jason Brennan (Ph.D., 2007) is Robert J. and Elizabeth Flanagan Family Professor of Strategy, Economics, Ethics, and Public Policy at the McDonough School of Business, and by courtesy, Professor of Philosophy, at Georgetown University. He specializes in issues at the intersection of politics, philosophy, and economics.
He is the author of ten books, including Cracks in the Ivory Tower: The Bad Business of Higher Ed (Oxford 2019), with Phil Magness; When All Else Fails: The Ethics of Resistance to State Injustice (Princeton 2018); In Defense of Openness: Why Global Freedom is the Humane Solution to Global Poverty (Oxford 2018), with Bas van der Vossen; Against Democracy (Princeton 2016); and Markets without Limits (Routledge 2016). He is currently writing, with Chris Surprenant, Injustice for All: How Financial Incentives Created America's Dysfunctional Criminal Justice System and How to Fix It, for Routledge Press.
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rom other countries
- PepperReviewed in Canada on 7 June 2014
The Best Introductory book to Libertarianism for Laypeople
If you're a layperson, this is the absolute best introduction to libertarianism. It is very sensitive to common sense views and worries, so it is very convincing and presents libertarianism (rightly so) in a very nice light. It is able to address everyday worries about libertarianism, and corrects many misconceptions. Jason Brennan is the best Bleeding Heart Libertarian there is. His writing is clear and powerful, and is one of the few, unapologetic libertarians there are from the Arizona School.
I wish there were a little less talk about mainstream politics, but I'll let it pass since this book is made for the curious layperson who probably isn't acquainted with the deep philosophical side, but knows a thing or two about politics and keeps up with current events. - Robert W. McGee, author of Justifiable Homicide: A Political ThrillerReviewed in the United States on 27 July 2022
A good introduction to the libertarian philosophy
This book provides a good introduction to the Libertarian philosophy. Good for both beginners and for those who have more than a passing knowledge of this subfield of political philosophy. It would make a good supplementary text for political science and philosophy classes, and would provide a pleasant alternative to the biases and indoctrination that is found in many university classes. - Dr. Dylan EvansReviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 January 2013
An extremely clear introduction
This short book is an excellent introduction to the basic principles of libertarianism. It is extremely clear and accessible, and illustrated with very topical examples. Indeed, the examples are so contemporary (referring, for example, to the 2012 US Presidential campaign) that I wonder if some of them may seem rather dated in a year's time. So, if you are going to buy this book, buy it soon! I found the structure of questions and answers very engaging, though it might not be to everyone's taste. It goes straight to the point and doesn't waste any time with useless padding. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone wanting to find out about libertarianism as quickly as possible. - coltraneReviewed in the United States on 17 April 2014
A Great Condensed, Straightforward Intro. to Libertarianism
In Libertarianism: What Everyone Needs to Know, Jason Brennan offers a clear, straightforward, and readable introduction to the libertarian political perspective, carefully acknowledging along the way the range of differing opinions held by libertarians on key issues (with an exception, see below). The book is written in an easily referenceable question-and-answer format, and is divided by topic. The chapters and even individual questions can be consulted in any order, independently of the rest of the book. To this end, in the course of answering a particular question, Brennan helpfully cites other places in the book that give a more in-depth look at something perhaps only briefly mentioned. The author can be commended as well for often introducing anti-libertarian perspectives or objections without providing any direct libertarian rebuttal. In this way, the book serves to familiarize the reader with both the libertarian viewpoint on various political, social, and economic topics as well as common rejoinders or alternative takes from non- or anti-libertarians. Brennan deftly wields thought experiments and examples to illustrate how otherwise abstract ideas can be practically applied. On the negative side, I would like to have seen footnotes with explicit references included throughout the book. For example, Brennan cites many studies, statistics, and ideas directly, and although he sometimes gives the reader enough information to go off of in their own search, the sheer number of such instances leaves this reader desiring the inclusion of footnotes to assist in locating these. However, Brennan provides an excellent selection of texts and articles for further reading at the end of the book, divided into specific subcategories. Additionally, a helpful glossary of terms often employed in political philosophy can be found at the back of the book. The only critique I might give content-wise has to do with the matter-of-fact way that Brennan writes of libertarians as advocates for women's abortion rights. As I understand it, libertarians are nearly as divided as the country as a whole on the issue of abortion choice. In any case, at least a passing mention of a broadly "pro-life" libertarian perspective (cf. the website "Libertarians for Life" at l4l.org) could have been included. Despite this little nitpick of mine, the book is a solid presentation of libertarianism, and one that is much needed given the typical straw-manning that occurs in both ordinary and even professional political discourse. Thus, Brennan's distinction between classical liberal, hard libertarian, and neoclassical liberal perspectives is useful in addition to his general way of dispensing with caricatures along the way. I would highly recommend this book to any non-libertarians who are interested in truly understanding the position as well as anyone who has newly identified themselves with libertarianism. - Christine CrawfordReviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 May 2017
Great Book
Great book easy to read and understand - MemeReviewed in the United States on 20 September 2015
a great resource
If you want to know about Libertarianism this IS the book to have on your shelf. You'll end up learning about your own beliefs while reading. Detailed, insightful, the contents cover every topic you can think of. Though, more of a resource book than a sit and read straight through. - stplecoReviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 November 2015
easy to
Very accessible, easy to read - JoannaReviewed in the United States on 10 September 2014
I feel enlightened after reading this book! :)
Found out a lot about myself while reading this. Very easy to follow and explains everything you would want to know in terms and examples that make it very easy for a novice to understand! Quick, easy, and interestingly informational read! :) - AshReviewed in the United States on 12 December 2016
Helpful, Concise, Well Written
This is a great book for anyone trying to understand the basis of what a libertarian is. I'll agree with the other reviews and say that he did not write about the entire spectrum of views, as there are many different types of libertarians. But I'd say this is a great starting point for anyone trying to understand.
This book is written in a question and answer style. Definitely helpful. I'd fully recommend. - C. P.Reviewed in the United States on 25 January 2013
Libertarianism - The Simple Explanation
This book is an excellent overview of the subject. Clarifies the "hard" Anyn Rand versus the "classical" and "neo" versions. I was especially interested in the focus on reducing the administrative side of government versus the social welfare aspect.
- StefaanReviewed in the United States on 21 October 2016
Must read!!!
The most inspiring book on political ideas i have ever read. I have actually bought 20 copies of this book and started handing them out to my friends and family - pคuł รყЪяคหdყ (หεσcuЪε™)Reviewed in the United States on 19 July 2020
Decent
I was hoping to get more of an insight as to what makes a typical Libertarian tick... so to speak. It wasn't a bad read though. - Bart van der WalReviewed in the United States on 19 September 2016
Legible, clear, and with at least attempted objectivity
I enjoyed reading it! Learned some new things. Everybody should read this! And also 'The three languages of politics' !! - R. ChesleyReviewed in the United States on 3 February 2013
Excellent Q & A oriented format for clarifying the Libertarian perspective
Given the state of politics in the USA right now Libertarianism makes more sense than ever and may be the only way to save the this special place. - GigiReviewed in the United States on 16 February 2013
Interesting
This book is a good explanation of a difficult topic. I enjoyed very much. his analysis and examples.I look forward to other topics. - maxReviewed in the United States on 15 May 2015
Very interesting read!
It is more unbiased than I expected! Very informational. I am recommending this to everyone who would like to know more about libertarianism - BenReviewed in the United States on 18 November 2012
great overview
A great overview for anyone interested in libertarianism and what it means for the major political issues. Brennan is concise but clear and makes for an easy, fun, and informative read. - DHReviewed in the United States on 12 May 2013
definitly like it
What every sheep that believes government's the only or best solution should know.That there are better solutions.Government is rarely a solution. - scottReviewed in the United States on 14 January 2013
informative, well written book
Answers several questions on the political group, and is well written. Reccomend it to people wanting to understand this third party - WhitesheepReviewed in the United States on 6 December 2014
nice goods. Thanks
Prompt delivery, nice goods. Thanks.
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