Current State of Libertarian Political Philosophy

Call for Papers @ MANCEPT 2014 (September 8-10, 2014, Manchester, UK)
Workshop: “The Current State of Libertarian Political Philosophy”
Convener: Andreas Wolkenstein (University of Tübingen/Hamburg)

Abstract
Currently, a lot is going on in libertarian political and economic thinking. Libertarian politicians offer alternative views on what to do against the fiscal crisis or government surveillance by Western states. In addition, there is a lively debate among libertarians about its connections to, among others, the idea of social justice, long thought to be in opposition to libertarianism, and about the proper understanding of libertarianism. As an example, consider the debates about and within so-called Bleeding Heart Libertarianism. At the same time, the current political atmosphere does not really appear to be open to libertarian ideas. The economic crisis, globally as well as within the EU, has created massive opposition that calls for more collectivist solutions as opposed to the libertarian economic ideas (e.g. from the Austrian School).

All this provides good reason to take a closer look at what is currently going on within libertarian political philosophy. But while the examples mentioned focus more or less on the economic implications of libertarianism, it is worthwhile to emphasize that there is much more to discover within libertarian political philosophy. The workshop will thus address a series of issues that connect with current political discussions, but that also take into account some broader issues within libertarian thinking. There are roughly three main themes around which the workshop will be organized:(1) libertarianism as political philosophy and its economic implications;(2) libertarianism and political decision-making;(3) libertarian solutions for current political problems (“applied libertarianism”).

(1) The first theme is based on the apparent focus of libertarianism on economic matters. In this regard, possible issues could include, but are not limited to: libertarianism and social justice, Bleeding Heart Libertarianism, libertarianism and business ethics, libertarianism and its relation to conservatism;

(2) This theme explores the libertarian contribution to political decision-making. It could include: political decision-making processes, design of political institutions, anarcho-capitalism and political/social order; democracy and libertarianism;

(3) Finally, to gain more knowledge about what libertarianism amounts to and what it implies, a look at “applied libertarianism” should be taken. This theme focuses on issues that either appear to be underrepresented in libertarian theorizing, or to have the potential to be an up-and-coming issue for libertarian political philosophy. It is here that issues, among others, such as security/surveillance (national security, international relations), internet governance (cyber-libertarianism) or water governance could be addressed and are welcomed.

We specifically welcome papers that argue from a libertarian point of view, but also encourage critical engagement with libertarian political philosophy. The leading question should be what the current state of libertarian philosophy is.

For further inquiries, please refer to the workshop convener Andreas Wolkenstein ([email protected]). For further information about MANCEPT 2014, please go to