Individual Liberty in Libertarian and Conservative Philosophy

Core Viewpoint - The articles discuss the philosophical perspectives of Murray Rothbard and Richard Weaver on individual liberty, property rights, and the importance of political coalitions in defending these concepts against the threats posed by government overreach and radical ideologies [1][2][4]. Group 1: Rothbard's Philosophy - Rothbard conceptualized all rights as property rights, emphasizing individual liberty as rooted in the defense of private property [1]. - He celebrated the formation of political coalitions, particularly with traditional conservatives, to combat the "power elite" that threatens individual liberty [2][3]. - Rothbard identified the "power elite" as bureaucrats, politicians, and special interest groups who exploit political power, contrasting them with ordinary citizens who are preoccupied with daily life [3]. Group 2: Common Ground with Conservatives - Despite differences, Rothbard acknowledged that traditional conservatives share a common goal of defending individuals from state tyranny and radical ideologies [4]. - Richard Weaver, a conservative intellectual, also emphasized the importance of defending property rights and individual liberty from various philosophical perspectives [5]. - Weaver argued that individual liberty is an essential attribute of human nature and that successful defenses of liberty must consider human reality [5][6]. Group 3: Individualism and Political Philosophy - Weaver distinguished between radical individualism, which denies social responsibilities, and a more circumspect individualism rooted in human nature [9]. - John Randolph of Roanoke exemplified a political philosophy that combined individualism with a commitment to states' rights, viewing it as essential for safeguarding liberty [10][11]. - Randolph's belief in localized power aimed to maximize individual liberty by ensuring that government representatives share common interests with the represented [11].