Philosophy 
Essential
On Liberty
By John Stuart Mill. "The sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number, is self-protection."
Intellectuals and Socialism
"In 1949, Hayek attributed the dominant position of planning in the West to the role of intellectuals, by which he meant 'professional second-hand dealers in ideas' such as journalists and commentators."
Why Do Intellectuals Oppose Capitalism?
By Robert Nozick: "Wordsmith intellectuals fare well in capitalist society; there they have great freedom to formulate, encounter, and propagate new ideas, to read and discuss them. Their occupational skills are in demand, their income much above average. Why then do they disproportionately oppose capitalism?"
Independent Study Guide: Philosophy
Liberty Guide offers a comprehensive resource for the independent study of philosophy. The study guide provides access to articles and reviews, online publications, blogs, associations, book recommendations and more. This guide is an indispensable tool for aspiring students of liberty.
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
By Adam Smith: "Smith argues that we naturally share the emotions and to a certain extent the physical sensations we witness in others. Sharing the sensations of our fellows, we seek to maximize their pleasures and minimize their pains so that we may share in their joys and enjoy their expressions of affection and approval."
A Treatise of Human Nature
By David Hume: Hume’s first major work of philosophy published in 1739 when he was just 29 yeas old. It is made up of three books entitled “Of the Understanding”, “Of the Passions”, and “Of Morals”. In the book he uses his skeptical rationalism to create an ambitious “science of man”.
The Natural and Artificial Right of Property Contrasted
By Thomas Hodgskin: "In this series of letters to Lord Braugham Hodgskin distinguishes between the natural right of property (based upon Lockean principles of natural law) and the artificial right of property (which is decreed by parliament). He associated the doctrine of the artificial right of property with Benthamite reformers who were attempting to reform the English state."
The Two Treatises of Civil Government
By John Locke: "Locke’s most famous work of political philosophy began as a reply to Filmer’s defense of the idea of the divine right of kings and ended up becoming an defense of natural rights, especially property rights, and of government limited to protecting those rights."
Saving Rights Theory From Its Friends
By Tom G. Palmer, from Individual Rights Reconsidered, edited by Tibor Machan (Stanford: Hoover Institution Press, 2001)
Myths of Individualism
By Tom G. Palmer, Cato Policy Report, Vol. XVIII, No. 5 (September/October 1996)
On Moral Duties
By Marcus Tullius Cicero: "This treatise, then, may be regarded as an exposition of the ethical system of the Stoics of Cicero’s time, yet with a special limitation, purpose, and adaptation."
Vices Are Not Crimes
By Lysander Spooner: "Vices are simply the errors which a man makes in his search after his own happiness. Unlike crimes, they imply no malice toward others, and no interference with their persons or property."
The Ayn Rand Lexicon: Objectivism from A to Z
"This mini-encyclopedia of Objectivism is compiled from Ayn Rand's own statements on some 400 topics in philosophy, economics, psychology, and history." Now available online.
Recommended
John Mackey on the Morality of Business
Students For Liberty and the Atlas Network have just released a video interview with Whole Foods CEO John Mackey in conjunction with their new Morality of Capitalism project. Check out the video, and order your free books here: The Morality of Capitalism: What Your Professors Won't Tell You.
Event: Libertarianism vs. Conservatism
Join us for a lively debate among interns from the Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation on July 21st. The event will be held in the evening, at 6:30p.m., to allow maximum attendance and will address issues ranging from immigration to marriage, foreign policy to post 9/11 civil liberties, drugs to the role of virtue in society, and even more. The debate promises to offer an excellent juxtaposition of the two philosophies and instigate excellent dialogue during the reception. Please register here to join us.
The Psychology of a Libertarian
Libertarians have long been viewed as feisty contrarians with base morals and poor social skills. However, based on some new research, Cato's Gene Healy explains that many of the perceptions about libertarians are not necessarily correct -- and that some of them are. Several researches have collected personal surveys from over 10,000 conservatives, liberals, and libertarians and have authored a study entitled 'Understanding Libertarian Morality.' From that data, Healy notes, the study found that libertarians focus more on rational analysis than "gut" feelings. That causes the stereotypical social aversion to libertarians, but also highlights their importance in a society that faces a "looming fiscal crisis" and needs people who are good at "facing the hard truths."
Austrian Economics - A Primer
The Adam Smith Institute has released another excellent book for students, breaking down the Austrian school of economics into short passages of simple language. 'Austrian' economics has revolutionized our understanding of what money is, why economic booms invariably turn to damaging busts, why government intervention in the economy is a mistake, the importance of time and information in economic decision-making, the crucial role of entrepreneurship, and how much economic policy is just plain wrong. Eamonn Butler explains these ideas in straightforward, non-technical language, making this Primer the ideal introduction for anyone who wants to understand the key insights of the Austrian School and their relevance and importance to our economic situation today.
The Low Road and the High Ground
As economic and ideological debate rages in the U.S. between having the government either more or less involved in our individual lives, economist and columnist Steven Horwitz explains that advocates of freedom should set a good example. Horwitz documents several individuals -- like Harry Reid and Exra Klein -- and instances to make his case that, "Assuming bad faith and being intellectually lazy really are the low road of political discourse." With that in mind, he proposes a "simple list of rules" to follow in order to ensure that not only your message is received more warmly, but that you can be confident of staying on the moral high ground, fostering a respect for others that "without which a free society cannot function."
Libertarianism vs. Conservatism
America's Future Foundation and Students For Liberty co-hosted a debate at the Cato Institute between interns from libertarian and conservative organizations, addressing the question, "is libertarianism or conservatism a more desirable political philosophy?"
Conspiracy Theories Undermine Liberty
Conspiracy theories are ubiquitous these days, and they range from beliefs on the far left and the far right. However, believing such stories ultimately undermines the principles we hold as classical liberals, says Steven Horwitz, a St. Lawrence University economics professor. He notes that "Our case for freedom must ultimately rest on reason and logic, and we must be open to evidence that genuinely contradicts our understanding of the world."
But besides the logical challenge of classical liberals (or anyone, for that matter) holding conspiracy theory beliefs, such ideas undermine the effectiveness of free markets. "When we fall into conspiracy thinking we are actually accepting the fundamental premise at the heart of every form of socialism: that it is possible for human beings to consciously control the economy or society more generally," says Horwitz. This is not the slippery slope we want to be on.
Ivy League Diversity Contortions
John Stossel, former 20/20 anchor and new Fox Business contributor, presents the issue of discriminatory affirmative action practices at ivy league schools. Examining several studies on college admissions, it turns out that sometimes the determining factor of admission is as deep as the color of one's skin. These policies have been defended by university administrators, who say that not discriminating would “severely limit the level of minority enrollment at top-tier colleges.” Stossel notes that, "Every slot that an undeserving student occupies comes at the expense of a student who earned it."
Mr. President, what happened to "transparency"?
Cato director of information policy studies Jim Harper updates his analysis of President Obama's promise to put all spending bills, especially those with earmarks, online for the public to see at least 5 days in advance of signing them. He includes an in depth table of the 61 bills signed so far, along with dates of posting. "I’ve amended the chart to highlight an interesting thing," Harper writes, "Two-thirds of the time (41 of 61), the White House has held bills for five days or more before President Obama has signed them. The only thing keeping him from fulfilling his promise as to these bills is the simple failure to post them on Whitehouse.gov."
Boaz to Speak in Tennessee
Cato executive VP David Boaz will be presenting on a panel discussion with Paul Kuhn and Robert Mikos at Vanderbilt University on the topic “Drug Legalization and Emerging Economic Opportunities.” The discussion will take place in the Law School's Moore Room at 5:00pm, on Tuesday, September 29th. Panelists will be addressing predominantly business and law students, though the public is welcome. Following the discussion, at 7:30pm, Boaz will be speaking to America's Future Foundation and the Tennessee Center for Policy Research. David Boaz is an alumnus of Vanderbilt University, and now speaks and writes extensively on issues of liberty at the Cato Institute.
Obama resorts to Big Brother tactics, erects 'straw men'
Timothy Carney, of the Washington Examiner, recently asked Obama officials who the President was referring to as “opponents” in his health reform speeches. Obama claims that those fighting against his health care reforms are “well-financed” and profit from keeping the system as-is, while has steered clear of naming names. No officials would answer Carney's questions. Carney proposes and refutes several possibilities of his own, but is left with a question: Why might the President and his administration be fostering such unsubstantiated claims? He concludes, "For Obama, a nameless enemy is more useful because it allows people to imagine whatever 'well-financed forces' they like as the enemy." He adds, "It's called demagoguery."
Cato Reading Lists, by Research Topic
The Cato Institute has just published a reading list of books and articles that form the basis for libertarian thought. The list has been expertly organized and is divided by research topic. If you have been looking for a stronger foundation of the principles of liberty, this is for you!
The Rise of Collectivist Conservatives
Cato research fellow Will Wilkinson's latest article addresses the growing philosophical divide in the conservative movement. As he writes, "If we don't dig too deep, the fight for the soul of the conservative movement looks something like this: In the rugged individualist corner is Fox News performance artist Glenn Beck—today's most spirited and surreal public defender of the American tradition of flinty self-reliance. In the collectivist corner is heavyweight conservative columnist David Brooks, who has used his New York Times platform to wage a relentless "scientific" campaign against what he sees as the pernicious individualism of Goldwater conservatives like Beck and Rush Limbaugh."
Five Tips to Win Any Debate
By Justin Hartfield & M. Harrison: Don't Debate the Player, Debate the Claim. Five tips to verbally own your opponent with respect, grace and heavily veiled contempt.
Robert Nozick Vs. The U.S. Congress
Cato Adjunct Scholar, Richard Epstein, provides a philosophical analysis of the effort by the U.S. Congress to increase home ownership in society in this Forbes article. Contrasting the pattern principle of justice held by Congress against Nozick's justice in acquisition, it is a great work that shows how philosophy is important to the real world.
McCloskey on Capitalism and the Bourgeois Virtues
"Deirdre McCloskey of the University of Illinois at Chicago and the author of The Bourgeois Virtues talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about capitalism and whether markets make people more ethical or less. They also discuss Adam Smith's world view, whether people were nicer in the Middle Ages, and the role of prudence and love."
Freedom Properly Understood
By Tom G. Palmer: "Let us hold up a standard of freedom, expressed in clear and precise terms, not modified by misleading adjectives, and promote that standard to the public, in the knowledge that with freedom – because of freedom – we enjoy prosperity, peace, dignity, knowledge, health, and so many other benefits. But as we enjoy the blessings of freedom, let us not confuse those blessings with freedom itself, for on that path we are led to lose both freedom and its blessings."
Government, Bound or Unbound?
By Anthony de Jasay: "Collective choice starts where unanimity ends, and involves some deciding for all, where the “some” control the apparatus of government. It is the potential for some to benefit morally and materially at the expense of others that creates the bone of contention and that limits on government are meant to move out of reach."
Atlas Shrugged and Public Choice: The Obvious Parallels
By Bryan Caplan: "Though there is little evidence of mutual influence, Ayn Rand and public choice converge on a strikingly similar vision of the political process. Both emphasize the contradiction between the propaganda of government intervention and the reality. Government supposedly intervenes to advance the interests of the majority. In reality, however, its goal to advance the interests of political insiders at the expense of everyone else."
A Bill of Rights Europe Did Not Need
By Anthony de Jasay: "Even if it were less woolly and silly, the Charter of Fundamental Rights could hardly become a force for good."
The Legacy of Ayn Rand
Reason Magazine Senior Editor and "Radicals for Capitalism" author Brian Doherty takes the modernist measure of novelist, philosopher, and cult figure Ayn Rand.
History of Religion
How has the geography of religion evolved over the centuries, and where has it sparked wars? This map gives you a brief history of the world's most well-known religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. Selected periods of inter-religious bloodshed are also highlighted. Want to see 5,000 years of religion in 90 seconds? Ready, Set, Go!
The Question of Monopolies
By Nathaniel Branden. A reader asks "In a society of laissez-faire capitalism, what would prevent the formation of powerful monopolies able to gain control over the entire economy?"
The Foundations of a Free Society
By Nathaniel Branden. "The Soviet Union has invaded and successfully conquered every country on the planet, with one exception: New Zealand. The Soviet Union has chosen not to invade New Zealand. Question: Why? Answer: So we would know the market price of goods."
Ayn Rand interview with Phil Donue (1980)
Ayn Rand discusses her philosophy and writings with Phil Donahue. Audience question and answer follows. Part 1 of 5, via youtube. (Parts 2-5 also available on youtube)
Rand and the Right: Reflections on the 50th anniversary of Atlas Shrugged
By Brian Doherty: "Because of her opposition to New Deal government controls, novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand started off thinking of herself as a conservative. By the time her blockbuster novel, "Atlas Shrugged," was published 50 years ago this week, she'd changed her mind. She decided she was a radical -- a "radical for capitalism," that is."
The Humanitarian with the Guillotine
By Isabel Paterson: "Most of the harm in the world is done by good people, and not by accident, lapse, or omission. It is the result of their deliberate actions, long persevered in, which they hold to be motivated by high ideals toward virtuous ends."
The Rise of Government and The Decline of Morality
By James Dorn: "One cannot blame government for all of society’s ills, but there is no doubt that economic and social legislation over the past 50 years has had a negative impact on virtue. Individuals lose their moral bearing when they become dependent on welfare, when they are rewarded for having children out of wedlock, and when they are not held accountable for their actions. The internal moral compass that normally guides individual behavior will no longer function when the state undermines incentives for moral conduct and blurs the distinction between right and wrong."
A Reading List on the Principles of Liberty
Looking to understand the basics of libertarianism? This reading list offers books and articles that are central to the libertarian movement. Learn about the aims and contributions of libertarian thought in modern political life.
Libertarianism
On this page, Cato scholars discuss what it means to be a libertarian, including the basic principles of libertarian political thought, their implications in political action, and a treatment of some of the great exponents of free minds and free markets in recent history.
Judicial Philosophy
Much is heard in the media about judicial philosophy: Judges are said to be originalist, textualist, living constitutionalist, activist or deferential, all by virtue of their philosophy. On this page, Cato scholars discuss various judicial philosophies and what they mean in the struggle for individual liberty.
Political Philosophy
Political philosophy and practical politics are rarely found together; in the compromise-laden business of governing, attention to principle can disappear entirely. The Cato Institute prides itself on standing firm for what it believes in, and for championing its philosophy of liberty even when it's unpopular. Here are some discussions by Cato scholars about the value of taking a principled stance in politics, and of remaining true to one's philosophical convictions.
Rights Theory
Rights theory is the philosophy of a free society. Often the best way to protect individual rights is simply to make the moral case for individual autonomy. Here is a sampling of Cato scholars' work in this vein, on issues ranging from the Federal Marriage Amendment to the federal war on obesity.
Globalization, Cosmopolitanism, and Personal Identity
Many critics of increasing freedom of trade and of movement, and the phenomena of cosmopolitanism and globalization that result from such freedom, insist that the consequence of greater trade and movement is a net loss of identity. Globalization is, they allege, destructive of personal identity itself, which they see as reliant on sharply delineated differences among cultures. In this paper, Tom Palmer sets out the anti-globalist critique and then shows that cosmopolitanism and globalization are hardly new phenomena, but have deep roots in European civilization.
