The simple narrative today of the southern secession in 1860 and 1861 is that the southern states believed that the institution of slavery was being threatened, so they left the union. However, the real causes are more complex and do not fit any preconceived narrative.
Herbert Spencer is best known for the term, “Social Darwinism,” but his writings on free markets and law remain brilliantly relevant today. While not included in the Pantheon of Austrian economists, nonetheless his work influenced Austrian scholars.
Mark Thornton discusses a lesser-known factor in the American Civil War: the Confederate “impressment” policy and its impact at Vicksburg.
Mark Thornton discusses a lesser-known factor in the American Civil War: the Confederate “impressment” policy and its impact at Vicksburg.
MMT and chartalism claims that money is a creature of the state and is valued because of state action. The fact that tobacco acted as colonial money independently of the state demonstrates this to be false.
Enrollment in government-subsidized “Obamacare” health insurance programs is expanding—and that is not a good thing. As more people place demands on the medical system, that system is increasingly unable to handle the growing demand.
In today‘s Friday Philosophy, Dr. David Gordon looks back upon the ethical views of the late Alasdair MacIntyre. While praising MacIntyre‘s work, Dr. Gordon points out that he never abandoned his Marxist views of economics, making much of his philosophical thinking crucially deficient.
On Power & Market, the group looks at the political legacy of Elon Musk, the moral costs of Keynesianism, and the absurdity of Harvard and NPR as public goods.
Bob breaks down the recent Soho Forum immigration debate between Dave Smith and Alex Nowrasteh, clarifying the critical libertarian questions around property rights, open borders, and government authority.
Enrollment in government-subsidized “Obamacare” health insurance programs is expanding—and that is not a good thing. As more people place demands on the medical system, that system is increasingly unable to handle the growing demand.