John Hospers: The Future of Liberty

In July of 2000, philosopher John Hospers gave a speech at the University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario) titled "The Future of Liberty". This video of the speech is being made available on the Freedom Party International channel because Hospers speaks, from experience, about the philosophical and psychological barriers faced by anyone hoping to promote individual freedom in today's society (or, at least, in society as it existed in 2000). It is a passionate, moving speech, worthy of several watchings.

NOTE: Hospers' speech was given at an I.S.I.L. conference, and was largely directed at libertarians and the libertarian movement. Freedom Party is not a libertarian party - we advocate rational governance, by a government, not the "less government" or anarchy advocated by libertarians.

Hospers considers himself a libertarian. Author/philosopher Ayn Rand - whose philosophy informs Freedom Party's policies - opposed libertarianism floating political concepts, and its anti-government/less-government nature. However, Hospers was, for a time, a friend of Objectivist philosopher and author Ayn Rand (whose philosophy informs Freedom Party's policies) and her philosophy, and friendship, made a lasting impression upon Hospers and his writing. Hospers' friendship with Rand reportedly ended not because of their philosophical differences, but because of his conduct toward her at an academic philosophy event.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Ayn Rand
• John Hospers
• Objectivist
• Objectivism
• Freedom Party

[beesleeper]

That's nice. Social libertarians are fine, it's the exploitation-loving, pro-capitalist libertarians who suck

[Arjozof]

@beesleeper ever heard of Stefan Molyneux? You still have time to amend your own stark logical inconsistencies by either acquainting yourself with Molyneux's books and podcasts, or debating him outright.

Of course if you sincerely believe that non-aggression principle is logically flawed, and wearing a uniform makes you a superhuman to dispence death and life at will - then I guess you would endorse Anders Breivik's valiant July endeavor to show that uniform and might makes right.

[beesleeper]

@356pla Expect a coherent argument from Libertarian crackpots? Nope. And Rand is indeed used only as example of logical inconsistency. Take a few classes.

[356pla]

@beesleeper  You make a few unsubstantiated statements followed by a polite, but unreasonable request. Do you really expect any positive result?

"... REAL philosophy departments..."?

[beesleeper]

He is not a philosopher. Ayn Rand is not a philosopher. She is only mentioned in REAL philosophy departments as an example of HIDDEN PREMISES, poor argumentaiton and CHOP LOGIC. Please REWRITE THE DESCRIPTION to edit out the word "philosopher."