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The bottom line: This is an excellent “next step” book on libertarianism, perfect for anyone who has a basic understanding of the philosophy but would like more information and practical application of its principles to life’s more complicated and touchy issues.
The Ethics of Liberty takes the concepts of personal property and individual freedom and uses them as an ethical foundation for a myriad of common topics (i.e. the “right” to privacy, animal rights, taxation, voluntary contracts). Rothbard, as always, presents clear and well thought arguments to justify his positions, but the reader should keep in mind that although his descriptions are philosophically sound, there are many opinions one may object to morally; this however is another tenet of the book-no justification for morality is implied, that is left up to you. Overall, the book is a quick an enjoyable read and will certainly challenge most people’s positions.
Dr. C.H.E. Sadaphal
In a Rothbardian sense, liberty is not ethical at all.
Well said.