Liberty Explained - The Basics of Libertarianism

In 1633, Galileo Galilei was condemned by the Roman Inquisition for teaching that the Earth revolves around the Sun. His defiance became a symbol of individual conscience against powerful institutions. On this episode of The Chris Spangle Show, we explore the history of individualism versus collectivism — from Socrates to the Stoics, from Christianity and the Reformation to Enlightenment thinkers...

What are natural rights, and how do they differ from legal rights? In this episode of Foundations of Liberty on The Chris Spangle Show, Chris breaks down core Libertarian principles on rights, freedom, and government power. Learn about natural rights, legal rights, negative vs. positive rights, property rights, and why Libertarians argue that rights come from our nature—not the state. This deep di...

Chris Spangle launches a new series exploring the foundational ideas behind libertarianism. In this episode, he outlines eight core principles—individualism, individual rights, spontaneous order, limited government, free markets, the virtue of production, the natural harmony of interests, and peace. Chris reflects on how these ideas shape a free society and wrestles with the tensions between liber...

Do I have to be “pure” to be a libertarian? Can I be a good enough libertarian? In other words, Is it possible to be more libertarian than another person? Libertarianism isn’t a monolithic or rigid ideology; one doesn’t need to adhere to a “pure” form to identify as a libertarian. It's a framework for social organization rooted in the belief that individuals cannot organize complex societies, nece...

Can you punish a child under the NAP? What do libertarians believe about corporal punishment? Children should be guided and nurtured, not subjected to violence, due to their developing mental and emotional capacities. As noted by Dakota Hensley on WeAreLibertarians.com, children are unique individuals who require the guidance of family and community, emphasizing a collective responsibility. They a...

How can equal opportunity exist when so many have so much wealth? What would be done about the 1%? Equal opportunity, though a sought-after ideal, remains elusive across various governance systems, including libertarianism. No society, regardless of its level of freedom or control, can claim absolute equality of opportunity in aspects beyond just education. In libertarianism, for instance, it’s un...

What should I do if I want to run? What do I need to prepare for? Aspiring political candidates should begin by identifying and understanding the core issues of their specific race, ensuring alignment with the local community's needs. Gaining insights through attending city or county meetings and connecting with political parties at the county or state level is crucial for training and support. Th...

The NAP is the only requirement members of the Libertarian Party must agree to. Is that a good standard? The Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) serves as a unifying ethos for members of the Libertarian Party, mandating a collective agreement to abstain from using force to achieve political or social objectives. Although the political landscape is rife with diverse ideologies, the NAP acts as a common...

The libertarian movement, still young and relatively small, contends with the appearance of gatekeeping due to its nascent stage and the intimate nature of its networks. Originating mainly in the 1970s, the movement has seen individuals attempt to assert dominance, forming distinct factions and perceived gatekeeping. Such divisions can sometimes hinder unity, exacerbated by the personal relationsh...

Mary Ruwart joins Chris Spangle to talk about the foundational axiom of libertarianism: the non-aggression principle. Dr. Mary J. Ruwart is a research scientist, ethicist, and a libertarian author/activist. Ruwart.com - http://www.ruwart.com/ Healing Our World: The Compassion of Libertarianism: How to Enrich the Poor, Protect the Environment, Deter Crime, and Defuse Terrorism - https://amzn.to/3iH...

From The Chris Spangle Show: Alexander Salter writes in his book "The Spirit of ’76," "Libertarianism is a rational reconstruction of America's founding principles." He joins me to discuss how libertarianism continues the American revolution toward liberty and dignity for all. The Spirit of ’76: Libertarianism and American Renewal - https://amzn.to/3QGrk7s  Transcript - https://share.descript.com/...

Is it imperative to have a moral society for libertarianism to work? Or will liberty make society function better? Libertarianism, rooted in the Nonaggression Principle (NAP), advocates for a moral society built on respect, and non-coercion, echoing the elementary morality of respecting others’ rights and properties. However, the foundation of government often contradicts these principles, as seen...

Can you be a Nazi or racist or nationalist and be a libertarian? While it is theoretically possible for someone to identify as both a libertarian and a racist, nationalist, or Nazi, these ideologies are inherently contradictory. Libertarianism is anchored in rejecting force as a means for political and social change and upholds individualism and individual rights. In contrast, ideologies like raci...

America is the only modern country without government run healthcare. Is it time for us to get with the times? The American healthcare system is outdated and expensive, yet "getting with the times" doesn't necessarily mean adopting government-run healthcare. High costs coupled with subpar service quality are exacerbated by regulations, tax laws, and federal mandates, as noted by Ron Paul in "Liber...

What would education look like in a libertarian society? In a libertarian society, education wouldn't adhere to a one-size-fits-all model but would instead be characterized by diversity, adaptability, and innovation tailored to meet the individual needs of students. Unhindered by government monopolies, educational offerings would be more dynamic and responsive, fostering an environment where both...

Is my vote on a third-party candidate wasted? Voting for a third-party candidate isn't a wasted vote but an expression of one's genuine preferences and a refusal to compromise personal principles for the sake of supporting the lesser of two evils. Both major parties perpetuate the narrative of their indispensability, often urging voters to set aside their misgivings for "crucial" elections. Howeve...

Can the Libertarian Party "win"? Winning for the Libertarian Party extends beyond clinching presidential elections. Although the odds of a Libertarian candidate securing the most electoral votes in a presidential race are slim, the party leverages this platform to disseminate its principles to a wider audience. The national objective of the Libertarian Party, as a minority party, is to influence t...

Why Can't a Libertarian Party Candidate get into the Presidential Debates? The exclusion of Libertarian Party candidates from presidential debates stems from the control exerted by the Bipartisan Committee on Presidential Debates (CPD), which is explicitly designed to favor the two major political parties. Established after the 1980 election, when third-party candidates garnered significant votes,...

What is The "NAP" or Non-Aggression Principle? The Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) is foundational to libertarianism, advocating against initiating or threatening force or interference with an individual, their property, or liberty. Though interpretations vary among libertarians, the core ethos is respect for others’ rights and property, encapsulated in the axiom “don’t hurt people and don’t take t...

How does one begin the road to becoming politically active? Embarking on political activism is as simple as taking the first step. There's no prerequisite for extensive political science knowledge; hands-on experience is often the best educator. Begin by identifying a candidate whose values align with yours and volunteer for their campaign. Initial tasks may include envelope stuffing, door knockin...

Is Libertarianism more a mindset or a set of values? Libertarianism is both a mindset and a set of values, emphasizing personal morality and ethics in societal organizations. It advocates universal principles of not causing harm, respecting others’ belongings, and honesty. However, governments often operate on the principle that collective agreement can override these fundamental values. Adopting...

What is the single greatest thing about liberty? What is the greatest flaw of liberty? Liberty's greatest allure is the spontaneous order it fosters. This natural organization is evident in markets adapting to individual needs through the price system. An emblematic example of market efficiency is Leonard Reed's "I, Pencil", which illustrates the global collaboration and myriad components involved...

How do I register? Where do I vote? To register to vote, visit your state's Election Board website or go to Vote.gov and follow the instructions provided, bearing in mind the registration deadlines to ensure your eligibility to vote in upcoming elections. Deadlines are in place to allow processing of voter data in time for Election Day. Although some states offer same-day voter registration, it is...

What is Liberty? Liberty is characterized by the unimpeded freedom to make choices without external force or threats of violence, aligning closely with the concept of free will. It is a fundamental objective for libertarians, who advocate for individual self-governance, asserting that people are best positioned to make decisions for their own lives. However, this doesn’t imply a lawless society; l...

Liberty Explained is your guide to libertarianism. Your hosts Chris Spangle, Julia Geier, and Levie Rainey break down a complicated movement and ideology to understand ways. We are a resource to share with friends when they have tough questions. Hopefully, we will answer some questions you might have yourself along the way. Please send your questions to ask@wearelibertarians.com. This podcast is p...