Libertarianism

Libertarianism: For and Against offers dueling perspectives on the scope of legitimate government. Tibor R. Machan, a well-known political philosopher with libertarian convictions, argues for a minimal government devoted solely to protecting individual rights to life, liberty, and property. Stressing the sovereignty of each individual, Machan argues in favor of limiting democracy's scope and against the redistribution of wealth, or any other sort of taxation. In opposition to libertarianism, philosopher Craig Duncan defends democratic liberalism, which aims to ensure that all citizens have fair access to a life of dignity. This requires measures to protect equality of opportunity, as well as measures to ensure all have access to a decent minimum standard of living. In a dynamic exchange of arguments, critiques, and rebuttals, the two philosophers cut to the heart of this important debate, articulating and defending competing conceptions of such core values as political freedom and equality.

Libertarianism: For and Against is a lucid introduction to a central debate in current political philosophy. The elegant format of the book is highly accessible and free of jargon, always conversational in tone without sacrificing rigor. I recommend this book for undergraduate political theory courses. Students will respond to the engaging discussions of contemporary political controversies. The book will stimulate lively classroom dialogue...., In Libertarianism: For and Against, Machan and Duncan offer us a clear, accessible and insightful debate on this perennial philosophical issue. They effectively integrate examples from contemporary political systems and current arguments in political philosophy with arguments from canonical figures, such as Locke and Kant. This book provides a lively and engaging introduction to the issue, developing clear lines of argumentttt, A readable introduction that still challenges the its readers and ultimately requires them to formulate their own opinions., A vigorous, comprehensive, timely, and accessible debate between libertarian Machan and liberal Duncan. Required reading for anyone interested in understanding the perennial conflict between two of the most intuitive yet profoundly opposed political philosophies. A wonderful book., In Libertarianism: For and Against, Machan and Duncan offer us a clear, accessible and insightful debate on this perennial philosophical issue. They effectively integrate examples from contemporary political systems and current arguments in political philosophy with arguments from canonical figures, such as Locke and Kant. This book provides a lively and engaging introduction to the issue, developing clear lines of argument

Craig Duncan is assistant professor of philosophy at Ithaca College, New York. Tibor R. Machan is R. C. Hoiles Professor of Business Ethics and Free Enterprise at Chapman University, California.