Libertarianism

Definition

Libertarianism is a political philosophy based on a specific principle called the Non-Aggression Principle, which prohibits all forms of aggressing.

Discussion

Similarities with 3L

  • Many libertarians interpret the Non-Aggression Principle substantially the same as the Legal Principle. Both are based on an underlying theory of property rights - we must first establish who owns what if we are to define ‘aggressing’.

Differences between 3L and Libertarianism

  • Peace vs Freedom: Of the three stages of relating to property rights, libertarians are focused on avoiding stage 1 (‘hell’) and achieving stage 2 (‘freedom’). 3L is focused on stage 3 (‘peace’), recognizing that freedom is a necessary prerequisite, but insufficient on its own, for peace. 3L has two principles: The Live and Let Live Legal Principle (same as the Non-Aggression Principle) and that freedom alone does not achieve peace. This is where the Live and Let Live Moral Principle and aspirational values come into play.

  • The Moral Principle: Libertarians do not advocate for voluntary aspirational values - a closed-minded, intolerant, rude, bigoted, hateful, mean-spirited, self-centered and inconsiderate person can live in harmony with the libertarian philosophy and be a perfect libertarian. However, such a person is not fit to be a member of 3L. The Moral Principle, which assits with optimizing human happiness and well-being while decreasing suffering, are indispensable to the 3L Philosophy.

  • Not against Government: Libertarians typically oppose the government. 3L recognizes government as a neutral tool and is not opposed to government so long as it aligns with the Legal Principle.

    • The reason 3L is not against the government is that there is no universal law that prevents governments from adhering to the Legal Principle. Though no government today adheres to the Legal Principle, they could and must do so. Corporate governance, including voting in appointed leaders, demonstrates that governance can be a proper administrative tool - the same could be true for communities as it is for companies.
    • There is a saying: ’that which we resist persists’. By actively fighting against or trying to suppress something, we can actually make it stronger, more persistent, or more noticeable in our lives. This wisdom is especially relevant to 3L when considering that governments currently have a quasi-monopoly on violence (including access to vast arsenals of deadly weapons). We should recognize each individual’s capacity to choose not to aggress, including those in government, and enable them to see the merits of everyone adhering to the Legal Principle.

  • Not against Capitalism or Socialism: Libertarians are typically pro-capitalist and anti-socialist. Live and Let Live accepts people’s choice of any economic framework, so long as it is voluntary.

  • Recognizing Grey Areas: Some libertarians believe there is only one objectively correct way to interpret all aspects of the Non-Aggression Principle. 3L recognizes that reasonable minds equally committed to the 3L Philosophy can and do differ on how best to interpret the Legal Principle, and therefore devolves the resolution of difficult or complex issues (gray areas) to the local community.

  • Globalism: Libertarians abhor the idea of a global community due to a reasonable concern of losing national sovereignty or eventually being subjected to a global dictatorship. 3L also opposes a global dictatorship, but recognizes that we now live in a global community, whether we like it or not. International trade and travel are now effortless. Most importantly, people anywhere in the world can now subject other people anywhere else to substantial and even existential threats. We are one human family - we must evolve to deal with these global threats without violence, civilly.

  • Communicating with Civility: The 3L community does not seek to belittle those who disagree with our views, but instead to find common ground. Members of the 3L movement are committed to aspiring to be of high character, civil, and tolerant in all circumstances, leading by example to inspire others to do the same. While perfection in this area is not possible, we strive for excellence regardless of how others act and communicate.

  • Celebration of Freedom: 3L is a community of people who value and celebrate freedom. All are invited, and there is really only one mandatory rule, the Legal Principle.

Conclusion - Value Libertarianism but Adopt Live and Let Live

  • Libertarians are the brothers and sisters of the 3L community, which supports the libertarian effort to bring freedom to the world. But why would we not also want to advocate for a voluntary Moral Principle? Doing so reduces the suffering of our fellow humans. It dramatically improves the branding and probability of success of the libertarian effort, which has thus far failed to win hearts and minds of even a significant minority of the population.

  • Libertarianism is a corrupted word because it means so many things to different people. It’s best not to use it. Instead, we can refer to a question that all can relate to:

    • “Do you own your life, or does a bureaucrat you’ve never met? Does a stranger to you get to preside over your actions because he or she won a popularity contest? Or, is your life yours to live?”

  • We invite all libertarians, as with all reasonable people, into the 3L community.

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