Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

This is where you attempt the defense that such activity is "initiation of force." The ability to make many varieties of libertarian philosophies practical hinges on how broadly you can handle interpreting initiation of force and the government's responsibility to stop that. Monopolistic behavior could be considered initiation of force in the sense that it unfairly and aggressively limits someone else's success or freedom for gains without right.

Then, of course, you get to decide whether drunk driving is initiation of force, whether very noisy neighbors late at night are initiating force, and so on and so forth.

This is not a critique of libertarian philosophies. Pretty much every philosophy is made practical through interpretation and compromise because life is more complicated than policy (and even poetry).



Consider applying for YC's Fall 2026 batch! Applications are open till July 27.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: