Libertarianism and its Weaknesses
Libertarianism is based on the idea of negative liberty: that no individual should suffer coercion; all should be free to do as they will so long as it does not interfere with others. This is a deeply appealing philosophy for many.
The problem is, this philosophy ignores human nature. Libertarianism depends on everyone being responsible, or at least confining the ill effects of their poor choices to themselves, and that's exactly where it breaks down. People's poor choices, especially in a modern society, can affect others.
Societies need authority because not all citizens are responsible. The proper role of government should be to ensure wide-ranging individual rights, even the right to be personally irresponsible, while protecting the individual from the irresponsibility or malice of others. This is the delicate balance that a free society must try to strike between liberty and security: the more you have of one, the less you have of the other.
The problem is, this philosophy ignores human nature. Libertarianism depends on everyone being responsible, or at least confining the ill effects of their poor choices to themselves, and that's exactly where it breaks down. People's poor choices, especially in a modern society, can affect others.
Societies need authority because not all citizens are responsible. The proper role of government should be to ensure wide-ranging individual rights, even the right to be personally irresponsible, while protecting the individual from the irresponsibility or malice of others. This is the delicate balance that a free society must try to strike between liberty and security: the more you have of one, the less you have of the other.
