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Liberty Explained - The Basics of Libertarianism

Liberty Explained - The Basics of Libertarianism

By: We Are Libertarians
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Liberty Explained is your guide to libertarianism. Chris Spangle takes your questions about libertarianism applied to politics and culture. Please send your questions to chris@chrisspangle.com. Part of the We Are Libertarians Podcast Network.Creative Commons, Attribution Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Foundations of Liberty 001: The 8 Core Principles of Libertarian Thought
    Aug 8 2025
    Chris Spangle launches a new series exploring the foundational ideas behind libertarianism. In this episode, he outlines eight core principles—individualism, individual rights, spontaneous order, limited government, free markets, the virtue of production, the natural harmony of interests, and peace. Chris reflects on how these ideas shape a free society and wrestles with the tensions between liberty, the common good, and his Christian worldview. https://youtu.be/K8VX7BW4UvY 00:00 Welcome & Series Overview 01:00 Chris Spangle's Background & Purpose 03:00 Why Libertarian Philosophy Matters 07:00 Rediscovering the Basics of Libertarianism 09:00 Core Ideas: Individualism Explained 13:00 Individual Rights & Natural Rights 17:00 Spontaneous Order & Hayek's Insight 19:00 Limited Government & Checks on Power 22:00 Free Markets: Voluntary Exchange & Prosperity 23:30 The Virtue of Production & Property Rights 24:30 Harmony of Interests: Cooperation over Conflict 25:30 The Importance of Peace 27:30 The Power and Impact of These Principles 29:00 No Perfect Ideology: Wrestling with Libertarianism 31:00 Conclusion & Call to Engagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • Do I have to be a “pure” libertarian to join?
    Jan 15 2024
    Do I have to be “pure” to be a libertarian? Can I be a good enough libertarian? In other words, Is it possible to be more libertarian than another person? Libertarianism isn’t a monolithic or rigid ideology; one doesn’t need to adhere to a “pure” form to identify as a libertarian. It's a framework for social organization rooted in the belief that individuals cannot organize complex societies, necessitating a reliance on and trust in fellow humans. The path to embracing libertarianism, marked by relinquishing control, varies for individuals, and old beliefs shaped by prevailing political ideologies can influence this journey. While some might be perceived as "more libertarian" due to a deeper philosophical understanding or advocacy for radical solutions, the ideology accommodates diverse perspectives. Figures like Justin Amash, Murray Rothbard, and Ayn Rand exemplify this diversity within libertarianism. Though ideology is a constant measure for political positions, flexibility is integral for libertarian politicians navigating the art of compromise. Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/ Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    7 mins
  • Can you punish a child under the NAP? What do libertarians believe about corporal punishment?
    Jan 2 2024
    Can you punish a child under the NAP? What do libertarians believe about corporal punishment? Children should be guided and nurtured, not subjected to violence, due to their developing mental and emotional capacities. As noted by Dakota Hensley on WeAreLibertarians.com, children are unique individuals who require the guidance of family and community, emphasizing a collective responsibility. They are not property but young individuals whose form of individualism is distinct from that of adults. When parents fall short in their roles, the community is responsible for stepping in, and prioritizing the child’s welfare and development, potentially through forming a voluntary Child Protective Service. This dual support system shapes the child's worldview and interaction with their surroundings. Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/ Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    6 mins
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