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Libertarianism
Libertarianism
Political Philosophies primarily explore a wide array of subjects relating to human rights, politics, justice systems, market systems, freedom, equality, and how systemized laws and regulations apply within states. Also, many political philosophies exist in the United States: Conservatism, Liberalism, Populism, and Libertarianism, among others. Yet, irrespective of whatever philosophy one chooses, it is often a personal ideology that one holds within the realness of their lives that matter. During national polls such as the ongoing preparation for the forthcoming presidential elections, political parties use their doctrines to demonstrate to electorates what they envision for the country once voted in. In this study, I will explore my political ideology, elaborate on the reasons for my choice of Libertarianism and how it suits the world.
Brief History on Libertarianism
Libertarianism is a political ideology that seeks "a world in which all individuals are sovereign over their own lives, and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her value” (Libertarian Party). It is one of the oldest philosophies tracing its roots from Lao Tzu - the Chinese Philosopher around the sixteenth century, American History, and Western Civilization. The ideology which emphasizes respect for individual rights and economic freedom continues to grow in the United States. Some of the factors leading to the fast rise of the ideology include events such as financial crises, significant wars, costly drug wars, chronic deficits, and the growth of executive powers” (Boaz).
Further, around the seventeenth century, American Statesman Thomas Jefferson captured the spirit of Libertarianism through the annotation" We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that their creator endows them with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit for happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it.'' (Boaz).
Question 2 a): Explain How Your Philosophy Fits the World
Many of the topics mentioned earlier relating to liberty, human rights, market systems, and property ownership determine and shape the way of life of a people. Governments are further made valid through analysis of the fundamentals of politics, taxes, economics, education, foreign policies, healthcare, and the overall social wellbeing of its citizens. Reflecting upon specific questions provides a basis for a robust philosophical argument regardless of one's standpoint. For instance, Is the government legitimate, What duties and responsibilities should it perform for its citizens, and What rights and obligations do its citizens have, among many others.
According to Libertarian thinker Leonard E. Reads., the libertarian idea holds the belief that everybody has the freedom to do 'anything peaceful' (Jacob, 4). Liberty, peace, and freedom, therefore, form a fundamental base for the libertarian ideology. Simply, as proponents of the libertarian ideology, we believe in individual liberty as an essential element in realizing one's fullness in life. This freedom encompasses the political, economic, moral, and social domains of one’s life.
The libertarian view upholds that every person is free to live their own lives in whichever way that pleases them, without infringing on the rights of other people. Furthermore, laws exist with the fundamental mandate that seeks not to restrain nor abolish freedom. Instead, the law should enlarge and preserve the freedom to be enjoyed by everybody. Also, the libertarian perspective does not profess that people can do anything that pleases them and that no one can say anything. Instead, in pursuit of individual happiness in everyone's uniqueness, they respect other people's rights while the law protects them.
While appreciating the rule of law, libertarians enquire on several aspects that inform the understanding of their ideology. For instance, they seek to know the meaning of government. Also, what legitimizes it, its responsibilities, as well as the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. Accordingly, libertarians agree that in any state or government that exists, the fundamental value in politics is liberty. The liberty allows its citizens the freedom of choice which has several other aspects;
First, freedom allows for government institutions that safeguard the fundamental rights of people. As such, the government agencies have some minimal power. The simple institutions thus serve to enhance and promote the use of natural abilities and gifts to create goods and services, thus expanding commerce and ultimately benefits all people in society. The institutions also provide conducive platforms through which people can invent and innovate products that entirely revolutionize the standards and way of life of a people.
Second, freedom, according to libertarianism, allows people to define life in their terms. It eliminates the forces of coercion, which implore people to act in specific "unnatural" ways and achieve particular outcomes. Instead, it provides a chance for people to live dignified lives where they make their own choices and take their responsibilities. This liberty eventually translates to people living meaningful and satisfying lives.
Third, economic freedom allows for a liberal interaction of the forces of demand and supply within the markets. This libertarian view recognizes the negative impact brought about by government interference in market systems. Still, it advocates for a freer interaction that provides room for negotiation and determines the prices for which goods are bought and sold (“The Economy”). Also, as people exercise the right to property ownership, they can exchange their merchandise at will in mutual agreements. Therefore, as people become more unconfined, they tend to prosper due to reduced government interference in economic activities.
Fourth, Libertarians believe that freedom promotes the peaceful coexistence of people in society. As people live free from commands and expectations, they become more inclined towards one another regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, or social status. This peaceful coexistence creates social harmony, which eliminates war and conflict. Thus, people can discover their true selves while appreciating others in society.
Fifth, is the belief in a free healthcare system. Here, the libertarian view holds that government interference compromises the quality of healthcare (“The Economy”). With the government providing only a regulatory role, the cost of healthcare would decrease while its quality rises for all citizens irrespective of race or economic status.
Question 2b): Things in Other Ideologies that are Appealing
Whereas conservatism aims at preserving the traditional social institutions in the United States, its standpoint on individualism is laudable. Libertarians, too, uphold that every person has the right to liberty, life, and personal happiness. Hence, this forms a common ground for both conservatives and libertarians.
Also, the liberals' support for limited government intervention in economic activities, free trade, free markets systems, equality, and respect for individual rights concurs with the libertarian ideology on the same principles. Furthermore, anarchism, which is a political ideology opposed to authority (whether political, social, or economic), supports individualism, which is one of the principles practiced by Libertarians. The Anarchist ideology supports the scrapping off of authorities and governments for society to operate independently. Anarchism thus believes in individualism, where people have the right to choose and order their lives. (Amato).
Question 3: Research Three Current Issues
Date
13 Aug, 2020