On Classical Liberalism and Libertarianism [Hardcover]

Norman P. Barry (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0312002432 | ISBN-13: 978-0312002435 | Publication Date: August 1987

This first systematic analysis of the full range of classical liberal thinking covers the utilitarianism of Hume, Smith and their successors, the Austrian and Chicago schools of political economy, 'contractarian' liberalism and the ethical individualism of Ayn Rand and Robert Nozick. Norman Barry also discusses the hitherto barely understood theory of anarcho-capitalism and throughout his analysis draws attention to the differences in fundamental philosophical outlook that underline superficially similar policy positions.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 215 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (August 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312002432
• ISBN-13: 978-0312002435
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,801,952 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why is this book out of print??, June 27, 2008

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mj "mj" - See all my reviews

This review is from: On Classical Liberalism and Libertarianism (Hardcover)

It's a terrible shame that this book is out of print. It provides one of the best available philosophically-astute summaries of the varities of academic libertarianism and classical liberalism. Unlike many discussions which focus exclusively on Nozick, Barry looks at Hayekian arguments, Chicago School free-marketism, Buchananite contractarianism, and Rothbardian anarcho-capitalism. And when an author cites Rothbard's "Toward a Reconstruction of Utility and Welfare Economics," you know they've done their homework! Short and getting dated, but still a great resource.