While I am the first to say I dislike libertarianism, I have to agree with Bryan Caplan that the Libertarian Purity Test is both better and more honest than the "World's Shortest Political Quiz". The states the questions with any intent to show the test taker has libertarian tendencies--although I did get a 14 on Mr. Caplan's test which means "You are starting to have libertarian leanings. Explore them."
I have no libertarian leanings whatsoever with an 8% score (14/160) on this test! In fact, I dislike the libertarian ideology intensively, which Mr.Caplan's test actually highlights.
There is a much more accurate test at the political compass. Although, I still question that one's accuracy.
The major problem is the nebulous political philosophy called Libertarianism tries to lure everyone into believing they are libertarian. Mr.Caplan's test is far more honest in that it makes it clear what Libertarianism believes.
Once one knows that libertarianism works to destroy the institutions that allow society to function, it becomes clear that Libertarianism is antithetical to most social systems.
The Political Compass test put me slightly left of center and about halfway down between the mid-line and the bottom. That's where I would have put myself before taking the test. Oddly enough, I'm not far from the Dalai Lama--gasp!
ReplyDeleteYes, but how did you score on the Libertarian Purity Test? That is a better gauge of whether or not you truly ascribe to libertarianism.
ReplyDeleteOr are just confusing a belief in civil liberties with libertarian beliefs.
In the broad sense libertarianism is believes that individual liberty is the basic moral principle of society. That is a nebulous statement. A better definition comes from Roderick T. Long who defines libertarianism as "any political position that advocates a radical redistribution of power from the coercive state to voluntary associations of free individuals", whether "voluntary association" takes the form of the free market or of communal co-operatives.
ReplyDeleteAgain, that is nebulous. Libertarian thought can run from Anarchist to minarchist in its scope, but it usually believes that the individual is more important than the state.
It also questions authority, such as teachers.
Civil liberties refers to rights and freedoms that provide an individual specific rights which are guaranteed by society. The protection of civil liberties is a key responsibility of all citizens of free states, as distinct from authoritarian states.
So,one can believe in government and civil liberties.
On the other hand, Libertarianism removes government from society and grants the power to individuals who may or may not respect your rights.
In reality, Corporations are as authoritarian as you can get and care little for the individual, or his rights.
Despite what libertarian propaganda may tell you.
Laci the Dog,
ReplyDeleteOur terms for political philosophies are only approximate. Name me any simple statement that isn't nebulous on the face of it. I've made clear what I mean and what my principles are.
I do question any authority, and I insist that my students do as well. I am not their priest, presenting the tenets of a faith. Nor do I tell them what to believe, unless we're talking about grammar and diction. I teach the ones who are willing to learn to be critical thinkers.
I oppose the unrestrained power of corporations in the same way that I oppose the unrestrained power of government. If you insist, perhaps I need a different term, but my belief is that anything that grows large is a danger to the individual and must be held in check.
Greg, you use the political compass test as proof of your "libertarian" stance, yet it also said I was libertarian--and I despise the system.
ReplyDeleteThey use libertarian as the opposite of authoritarian, which is incorrect since democratic would be a much more accurate term.
I find this amusing from a teacher that you suddenly approve of nebulous terms.
No, there are much more accurate political definitions the the prolibertarian sites use.
And you failed to show comprehension of what I said about anarchy and minarchy in addition to libertarian philosophy.
I seriously doubt that you are truly a libertarian, but you don't understand that removes the protections offered to you by the state.
So, there is a difference between a belief in government and corporate power. You are probably more democratic in your viewpoint.
I should add that your concept of rights fails in a truly libertarian society since you would have little governmental protection. Libertarian society is one where the social contract is extremely prominent.
So,your claim to a right,in particular, a right to arms, can be denied by other individuals--especially if they have more powerful arms than you have.
Society is what guarantees you the right. If you deny society, then you forfeit your rights.
Is that what you truly want?
dic·tion
ReplyDeletenoun \ˈdik-shən\
Definition of DICTION
1obsolete : verbal description
2: choice of words especially with regard to correctness, clearness, or effectiveness
Now, I know you know fuck all about what you are talking about, Greg.
We are talking about choice of words for correctness, clearness, or effectiveness in political terminology.
And I give you an "F" for failing to comprehend the difference between libertarianism, democracy, and authoritarianism.
I should also add,Greg, that you would probably not survive in a truly libertarian society.
ReplyDeleteI recently read that Libertarian sites are promoting Ann Barnhardt. Does her extreme jingoism and hatred-of-the-other appeal to the Libertarians.
ReplyDelete