Critiques of Libertarianism

[Jim Choate]

On Thu, 21 Jun 2001 a3495 at cotse.com wrote:
 
> "This diversity of libertarian viewpoints can make it quite difficult to 
> have a coherent discussion with them, because an argument that is valid for 
> or against one type of libertarianism may not apply to other types."
> 
> ....you mean you actually have to LISTEN to people before you stick them in 
> a conceptual box and slap your two-bit pre-made labels on them??? Say it 
> ain't so!!!! Moron. 

And you're proud you don't have to listen to folks before you stick 'em in
a box? Bullshit, Libertarians choose to call themselves by that label,
it's a self imposed box. Your criticism is without merit. Or perhaps the
ghost of Wittgenstein will walk through you...

Further, you misrepresents what he says. Check the archives, various
folks have made the distinctions between the various components of CACL
quite clear, it's why I always make it clear what the particular 'common
character' I am refering to when I 'lump 'em into one box'. It is also
clear that a global critique of one 'view' isn't necessarily applicable to
the other. In other words, there are a variety of issues with a
concomitent multiplicity of views that get pushed into 'libertarian'. His
point that this makes it hard to understand the fundamental characters to
qualify for 'libertarian' is valid. It also happens to be a valid critique
of its practitioners.

> You can take any philosophical position under the sun and always find 
> idiots and straw men who "support" it to knock around, why should 
> libertarianism be any different. There's plenty of room for real debate 
> here, too bad he's not up for it. Oh well! 

Exactly, and if the philosophy can't stand on it's own two feet despite
this then it deserves the ignomy it will receive.


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