Atheism and Liberty: Compatible and Mutually Reinforcing - Part 3 of 3

[RaminHAL9001]

I curious to know your opinion as a libertarian on this: what should a society of virtuous, freedom-loving individuals do if they discover within their society individuals who enslave a large minority of the populace through religious indoctrination. Would it be OK to appeal to the majority views of morailty and use coercion to imprison the leadership and re-educate the populace, or would that violate the freedom of individuals of that minority collective?

[GStolyarovII]

In general, I do not believe in imposing coercion on individuals who do not themselves initiate force. This means that even egregiously wrong people -- whose ideas would have dangerous consequences if applied -- should not be suppressed *until and unless* they put their ideas into action.

I also think that advocates of true ideas *ought* to be able to argue them sufficiently well that, in a society where full intellectual freedom is permitted, the true ideas would win out over indoctrination.

[finallyfreethinking]

Well said!

[GStolyarovII]

Thank you!

[Elfie]

yo. i miss the napoleon club. what rank was i? oh, btw, this is eunice oh. and chang says "hi~" i heard u got married. that's crazy! why didn't invite me! fang, chang, and i are very disappointed. i expected front row seats! i miss u!!!