Norman P. Barry (1944–2008)

Barry critically reviews the thoughts and effects of the work of Hume, Smith, and the Utilitarians. Since many of ideas of both classic liberalism and modern libertarianism come friom the work in 'political economy' he inspects the work of the Chicago School (Milton Friedman), the Austrian School (Mises/Hayek), and the Virginia School (Buchanan). Besides specific flaws he adresses what he sees as their generic flaw in a chapter on the "Ethics of Individualism". By yielding the ethical ground to 'utility', they all leave the field open to socialist or communitarian ideas.

Next he reviews the works of two who went beyond the traduitional realm: Ayn Rand, whom he views as the major defender of Capitalism; and Robert Nozick, who is characterized as an originator of moddern Anarcho-capitalism. He follows this with a review of "Anarcho-Capitalism" and recommends Murray Rothbard and David Friedman as its defenders.

This book will probably not change the mindset of a modern liberal or Christian Democrat, but it does give some insight into how both economics and government arrived at their current state, and what happened to the individual rights stands of the enlightenment. It might, however, show a libertarian that they are actually an anarchist.… (altro)