Liberty Explained - The Basics of Libertarianism

In 1633, Galileo Galilei was condemned by the Roman Inquisition for teaching that the Earth revolves around the Sun. His defiance became a symbol of individual conscience against powerful institutions. On this episode of The Chris Spangle Show, we explore the history of individualism versus collectivism — from Socrates to the Stoics, from Christianity and the Reformation to Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and John Stuart Mill, and into the American founding. We also explore libertarian principles of ethical individualism, free speech, and personal responsibility, contrasting them with the dangers of conformity, censorship, and control inherent in collectivism. What you’ll learn in this episode: Galileo’s trial and its impact on science and freedom How Christianity and the Reformation shaped individualism The Enlightenment’s role in liberty and natural rights Ethical individualism vs. collectivist control Why libertarians defend conscience, speech, and voluntary cooperation https://youtu.be/q3Y7zGmoYaA 00:00 Galileo vs. the Inquisition 01:49 The Rise of Heliocentrism 02:42 Courage, Individualism, & Libertarianism 03:33 What Is Individualism? Key Concepts 06:07 From Tribes to Individuals: History 07:36 Greek, Christian, and Enlightenment Roots 09:39 Individualism in America 10:39 Ethical Individualism Explained 13:39 Modern Challenges: Speech & Responsibility 15:31 Voluntary Association and Libertarianism 17:59 Political Individualism and Freedom 21:12 Collectivism vs. Individualism 24:03 Government Power and Group Identity 27:01 Case Study: Hong Kong’s Freedom Lost 28:59 Pros and Cons of Each Approach 30:06 Christian Critiques of Individualism 33:55 Expressive Individualism vs. Community 37:00 Individualism in Faith and Society 40:46 Voluntary Cooperation vs. Forced Conformity 41:45 The American Founding: A Radical Shift 45:42 Why Conscience and Principles Matter 47:00 Cancellations, Tribalism, and Consistency 51:00 Embracing Courage and Individual Thought 53:11 Be an Individual, Not Just a Follower 54:10 Outro & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are natural rights, and how do they differ from legal rights? In this episode of Foundations of Liberty on The Chris Spangle Show, Chris breaks down core Libertarian principles on rights, freedom, and government power. Learn about natural rights, legal rights, negative vs. positive rights, property rights, and why Libertarians argue that rights come from our nature—not the state. This deep dive explores thinkers like John Locke, Cicero, and Thomas Aquinas, plus key moments in history that shaped America’s founding ideas of liberty and self-government. ⁠https://youtu.be/ZaxSF5tooL8⁠ 00:00 Penn and Meade: The Trial for Religious Freedom 01:12 Bushel's Case and Jury Independence 01:47 Do Rights Come From Government? 02:52 Foundations of Liberty: Introducing Rights 03:43 Natural Rights vs. Legal Rights Explained 04:45 Brief History of Natural Rights 06:48 Examples of Natural Rights in Daily Life 07:03 What Are Legal Rights? 09:41 How Rights Philosophies Evolved 11:12 Natural Rights in Ancient and Medieval Times 13:24 Magna Carta, the Crown, and Pre-Existing Rights 14:53 Enlightenment Thinkers and the Spread of Natural Rights 15:54 Property, Assembly, and Libertarian Principles 17:12 Natural Rights Aren't Handed Out—They're Inherent 18:03 Positive vs. Negative Rights 19:31 Negative Rights: The Libertarian Standard 21:10 Trade-offs and the Limits of Government Intervention 22:28 Why Libertarians Prioritize Natural & Negative Rights 25:36 Limiting Power: Sphere Sovereignty and Social Checks 27:02 Government, Morality, and Personal Autonomy 28:34 Government Dependency vs. Private Solutions 29:52 Why Rights Matter in a Free Society 31:02 Rights as Fundamentals of U.S. Society 32:22 Learning from History: Rights, Stories, and Systems 32:56 Modern Challenges and Demanding Your Rights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle launches a new series exploring the foundational ideas behind libertarianism. In this episode, he outlines eight core principles—individualism, individual rights, spontaneous order, limited government, free markets, the virtue of production, the natural harmony of interests, and peace. Chris reflects on how these ideas shape a free society and wrestles with the tensions between liberty, the common good, and his Christian worldview. https://youtu.be/K8VX7BW4UvY 00:00 Welcome & Series Overview 01:00 Chris Spangle's Background & Purpose 03:00 Why Libertarian Philosophy Matters 07:00 Rediscovering the Basics of Libertarianism 09:00 Core Ideas: Individualism Explained 13:00 Individual Rights & Natural Rights 17:00 Spontaneous Order & Hayek's Insight 19:00 Limited Government & Checks on Power 22:00 Free Markets: Voluntary Exchange & Prosperity 23:30 The Virtue of Production & Property Rights 24:30 Harmony of Interests: Cooperation over Conflict 25:30 The Importance of Peace 27:30 The Power and Impact of These Principles 29:00 No Perfect Ideology: Wrestling with Libertarianism 31:00 Conclusion & Call to Engagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do I have to be “pure” to be a libertarian? Can I be a good enough libertarian? In other words, Is it possible to be more libertarian than another person? Libertarianism isn’t a monolithic or rigid ideology; one doesn’t need to adhere to a “pure” form to identify as a libertarian. It's a framework for social organization rooted in the belief that individuals cannot organize complex societies, necessitating a reliance on and trust in fellow humans. The path to embracing libertarianism, marked by relinquishing control, varies for individuals, and old beliefs shaped by prevailing political ideologies can influence this journey. While some might be perceived as "more libertarian" due to a deeper philosophical understanding or advocacy for radical solutions, the ideology accommodates diverse perspectives. Figures like Justin Amash, Murray Rothbard, and Ayn Rand exemplify this diversity within libertarianism. Though ideology is a constant measure for political positions, flexibility is integral for libertarian politicians navigating the art of compromise. Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you punish a child under the NAP? What do libertarians believe about corporal punishment? Children should be guided and nurtured, not subjected to violence, due to their developing mental and emotional capacities. As noted by Dakota Hensley on WeAreLibertarians.com, children are unique individuals who require the guidance of family and community, emphasizing a collective responsibility. They are not property but young individuals whose form of individualism is distinct from that of adults. When parents fall short in their roles, the community is responsible for stepping in, and prioritizing the child’s welfare and development, potentially through forming a voluntary Child Protective Service. This dual support system shapes the child's worldview and interaction with their surroundings. Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can equal opportunity exist when so many have so much wealth? What would be done about the 1%? Equal opportunity, though a sought-after ideal, remains elusive across various governance systems, including libertarianism. No society, regardless of its level of freedom or control, can claim absolute equality of opportunity in aspects beyond just education. In libertarianism, for instance, it’s unfeasible to mandate equal educational opportunities when affluent families have the means to elevate their children’s learning experiences. However, a distinction exists between open societies like the U.S. and closed ones like North Korea, where wealth and power are rigidly centralized. In more open societies, wealth is relatively fluid, with family fortunes often dispersing within a few generations, fostering opportunities across socioeconomic classes. In contrast, closed societies rigidly centralize and retain wealth within a select elite, stifling opportunity and mobility for the broader population. Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What should I do if I want to run? What do I need to prepare for? Aspiring political candidates should begin by identifying and understanding the core issues of their specific race, ensuring alignment with the local community's needs. Gaining insights through attending city or county meetings and connecting with political parties at the county or state level is crucial for training and support. The journey to office involves active engagement with party insiders, voters, and media, emphasizing authenticity and relationship building. Resources like Ron Faucheux’s books and the Upward – Libertarian Activism podcast can provide additional guidance for those preparing to step into the political arena with integrity and commitment. Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NAP is the only requirement members of the Libertarian Party must agree to. Is that a good standard? The Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) serves as a unifying ethos for members of the Libertarian Party, mandating a collective agreement to abstain from using force to achieve political or social objectives. Although the political landscape is rife with diverse ideologies, the NAP acts as a common ground for Libertarians, distinguishing them from other political affiliations. Instituted by the party's founder, David Nolan, in 1971, this pledge was designed to characterize the party as a non-violent political entity, especially significant at a time when violence was a common political tool. Despite its inherent imperfections, the Libertarian pledge is celebrated for its capacity to instill focus and cohesion among party members, transcending the multifaceted ideologies and beliefs that reside within its ranks. Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The libertarian movement, still young and relatively small, contends with the appearance of gatekeeping due to its nascent stage and the intimate nature of its networks. Originating mainly in the 1970s, the movement has seen individuals attempt to assert dominance, forming distinct factions and perceived gatekeeping. Such divisions can sometimes hinder unity, exacerbated by the personal relationships within a smaller group where critiques can be direct and personal. However, gatekeeping holds limited power in the digital age, with easier access to diverse voices. Platforms like We Are Libertarians (WAL) aim for inclusivity, valuing all contributions to the movement. Depersonalizing criticism and fostering a more inclusive perspective can strengthen unity within the movement. Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Ruwart joins Chris Spangle to talk about the foundational axiom of libertarianism: the non-aggression principle. Dr. Mary J. Ruwart is a research scientist, ethicist, and a libertarian author/activist. Ruwart.com - http://www.ruwart.com/ Healing Our World: The Compassion of Libertarianism: How to Enrich the Poor, Protect the Environment, Deter Crime, and Defuse Terrorism - https://amzn.to/3iHxCAU Death By Regulation: How We Were Robbed of a Golden Age of Health and How We Can Reclaim It - https://amzn.to/3ocFHOM Short Answers to the Tough Questions: How to Answer the Questions Libertarians Are Often Asked - https://amzn.to/3a1rxv5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From The Chris Spangle Show: Alexander Salter writes in his book "The Spirit of ’76," "Libertarianism is a rational reconstruction of America's founding principles." He joins me to discuss how libertarianism continues the American revolution toward liberty and dignity for all. The Spirit of ’76: Libertarianism and American Renewal - https://amzn.to/3QGrk7s  Transcript - https://share.descript.com/view/nYrbk7PrZeI  https://youtu.be/Y5VhngZIMWo  Join our Patreon now for commercial-free shows, bonus content and our complete archives - https://www.patreon.com/wearelibertarians --- Chris Spangle and Leaders and Legends, LLC edited and produced this podcast. If you're interested in starting a podcast or taking yours to the next level, please contact us at LeadersAndLegends.net. ---- Looking to start a podcast? Download my podcast Podcasting and Platforms now, and check out my recommendations for buying the right equipment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it imperative to have a moral society for libertarianism to work? Or will liberty make society function better? Libertarianism, rooted in the Nonaggression Principle (NAP), advocates for a moral society built on respect, and non-coercion, echoing the elementary morality of respecting others’ rights and properties. However, the foundation of government often contradicts these principles, as seen in systems like social security, which involves a forced redistribution of wealth. As private institutions diminish in influence, the government’s expansive role fosters a society where politics and power overshadow morality, leading to divisive and coercive practices. Given this dynamic, the expectation for society to organically evolve into a “more moral” state under the current political system is implausible. Liberty, as championed by libertarianism, underscores the necessity of upholding moral principles to facilitate a society that is not only functional but also just and equitable. Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you be a Nazi or racist or nationalist and be a libertarian? While it is theoretically possible for someone to identify as both a libertarian and a racist, nationalist, or Nazi, these ideologies are inherently contradictory. Libertarianism is anchored in rejecting force as a means for political and social change and upholds individualism and individual rights. In contrast, ideologies like racism and nationalism often embrace force and collectivism to impose their beliefs. Libertarians emphasize the dignity of all individuals and seek to protect minority groups from the tyranny of the majority. In a free society supported by libertarian principles, financial incentives encourage peaceful cooperation among diverse groups, reducing the prevalence of ideologies that rely on division and force. Thus, while one might hold racist or nationalist beliefs personally, acting on or promoting such beliefs through force is antithetical to core libertarian values. Video - https://youtu.be/BX-RNSfUaTc Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America is the only modern country without government run healthcare. Is it time for us to get with the times? The American healthcare system is outdated and expensive, yet "getting with the times" doesn't necessarily mean adopting government-run healthcare. High costs coupled with subpar service quality are exacerbated by regulations, tax laws, and federal mandates, as noted by Ron Paul in "Liberty Explained". Drawing a parallel with the evolution of cell phones, Paul underscores the rapid innovation achieved through free-market dynamics, something potentially stifled under centralized planning. The comparison extends to car insurance, a sector experiencing less government intervention and more consumer choice, fostering competitive pricing. Centralized control in health care, akin to government-controlled car insurance, could lead to inflated costs and restricted autonomy. The pandemic illustrated the perils of centralization, with political wrangling over resource distribution and regulatory bottlenecks impeding response efficiency. Thus, modernizing healthcare necessitates empowering individual choice and innovation rather than embracing a centrally planned economy. Video. - https://youtu.be/HQasScFidhQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would education look like in a libertarian society? In a libertarian society, education wouldn't adhere to a one-size-fits-all model but would instead be characterized by diversity, adaptability, and innovation tailored to meet the individual needs of students. Unhindered by government monopolies, educational offerings would be more dynamic and responsive, fostering an environment where both teachers and students could reach their full potential. Traditional classroom settings would evolve, and alternative educational pathways, facilitated by internet access and technological advancement, would flourish. Parents, teachers, and communities would collaboratively shape educational content and methods, ensuring they are relevant and effective. Although education would not be compulsory, the innate drive for learning and societal norms would continue to motivate educational participation, fostering a system where intrinsic motivation and personalized educational experiences reign supreme. Video - https://youtu.be/qtGbZdwH8-0 Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is my vote on a third-party candidate wasted? Voting for a third-party candidate isn't a wasted vote but an expression of one's genuine preferences and a refusal to compromise personal principles for the sake of supporting the lesser of two evils. Both major parties perpetuate the narrative of their indispensability, often urging voters to set aside their misgivings for "crucial" elections. However, a vote for a third-party candidate can signal a demand for better choices and catalyze significant political change. Every vote counts, especially in showing that there is a market for diverse political ideas beyond the duopoly. Moreover, the electoral college and gerrymandering often diminish the impact of individual votes, so voting third-party can be a potent means of voicing dissent and advocating for true representation. Each vote for a third party amplifies the message of the need for systemic change and diverse representation in politics. Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained https://youtu.be/KZbVXx0J1xc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can the Libertarian Party "win"? Winning for the Libertarian Party extends beyond clinching presidential elections. Although the odds of a Libertarian candidate securing the most electoral votes in a presidential race are slim, the party leverages this platform to disseminate its principles to a wider audience. The national objective of the Libertarian Party, as a minority party, is to influence the policies of the major parties to enhance individual freedoms and constrain governmental intrusion. Local politics is a vital frontier where Libertarian candidates have more substantial opportunities to secure victories and demonstrate their governing capabilities, as evidenced by many Libertarians currently holding office. Furthermore, the party's influence is observable when policies proposed by Libertarian candidates are adopted by winning candidates from major parties. The transition of figures like Justin Amash and Laura Ebke to the Libertarian Party is also considered a victory, as it amplifies the party's visibility and acceptance, underscoring the power of social proof in politics. Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Video - https://youtu.be/iMfxmMLz1YQ Dystopia by Luke Hall https://soundcloud.com/c_luke_hall Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/al-dystopia Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/elnlHcxPyFQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Can't a Libertarian Party Candidate get into the Presidential Debates? The exclusion of Libertarian Party candidates from presidential debates stems from the control exerted by the Bipartisan Committee on Presidential Debates (CPD), which is explicitly designed to favor the two major political parties. Established after the 1980 election, when third-party candidates garnered significant votes, the CPD has engaged in practices that undermine the inclusion of third-party voices, such as selling sponsorships to major corporations and maintaining opaque operations. Despite its tax-exempt status, the CPD doesn't fulfill the requisite non-profit functions and has been known to share debate questions with candidates in advance. The committee's board comprises individuals with ties to the government, corporations, and the two major parties, further entrenching the exclusionary practice. Public pressure on corporate sponsors has proven to be a potential avenue to challenge this exclusion and promote fairer election debates. Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Video - https://youtu.be/eLH8hHWIC9o Dystopia by Luke Hall https://soundcloud.com/c_luke_hall Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/al-dystopia Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/elnlHcxPyFQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is The "NAP" or Non-Aggression Principle? The Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) is foundational to libertarianism, advocating against initiating or threatening force or interference with an individual, their property, or liberty. Though interpretations vary among libertarians, the core ethos is respect for others’ rights and property, encapsulated in the axiom “don’t hurt people and don’t take their stuff.” This principle distinguishes libertarianism from pacifism by permitting forceful defense against aggression. Mary Ruwart, in her book "Healing Our World," elaborates on this as the Good Neighbor Policy, emphasizing honesty, tolerance, and respect, alongside accountability for any violations of these ethical standards, encapsulating the essence of libertarianism. Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Video - https://youtu.be/IkxCmC5QZqQ Dystopia by Luke Hall https://soundcloud.com/c_luke_hall Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/al-dystopia Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/elnlHcxPyFQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does one begin the road to becoming politically active? Embarking on political activism is as simple as taking the first step. There's no prerequisite for extensive political science knowledge; hands-on experience is often the best educator. Begin by identifying a candidate whose values align with yours and volunteer for their campaign. Initial tasks may include envelope stuffing, door knocking, distributing yard signs, or phone banking. Be cautious of taking on overwhelming responsibilities to avoid burnout. Engaging in campaign work should be a learning and contributory experience rather than a source of frustration. Utilize resources like the "Upward – Libertarian Activism" podcast to aid your journey into political activism. Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Video - https://youtu.be/M6cxSGVmj5U Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices