Consequentialist libertarianism


Consequentialist libertarianism, also known as consequentialist liberalism or libertarian consequentialism, is the libertarian position that is supportive of a free market and strong private property rights only on the grounds that they bring about favorable consequences such as prosperity or efficiency.

Overview

What consequentialist libertarians advocate is derived through cost–benefit calculation, taking a broad account of consequences. It is contrasted with deontological libertarianism which considers the initiation of force and fraud to be immoral, regardless of consequences. Unlike deontological libertarians, consequentialist libertarians do not necessarily see all cases of initiation of force as immoral and do not see it as inherently immoral. Rather, their position is that political and economic liberty lead to the best consequences in the form of happiness and prosperity and for that reason alone it should be supported. Some libertarians may have a conception of libertarianism that is a hybrid of consequentialism and deontology.
Unlike deontological libertarians, consequentialist libertarians advocate actions they believe bring about favorable consequences regardless of whether these constitute initiation of force. Unlike deontological libertarians, some consequentialists libertarians support eminent domain in addition to support for involuntary taxes. Particular views vary among consequentialist libertarians, with political theorist David D. Friedman supporting a consequentialist form of anarcho-capitalism where the content of law is bought and sold rather than there being an established legal code forbidding initiation of force.

Notable consequentialist libertarians

Consequentalist libertarians include Milton Friedman, David D. Friedman, Peter Leeson, Ludwig von Mises, Friedrich Hayek, and R. W. Bradford.