Consequentialist libertarianism, also known asconsequentialist liberalism orlibertarian consequentialism,[1] is alibertarian political philosophy and position that is supportive of afree market and strongprivate property rights only on the grounds that they bring about favorable consequences such as prosperity or efficiency.[2]
What consequentialist libertarians advocate is derived through cost–benefit calculation, taking a broad account of consequences.[3] It is contrasted withdeontological libertarianism which considers theinitiation of force andfraud to be immoral, regardless of consequences.[4][5] Unlike deontological libertarians, consequentialist libertarians do not necessarily see all cases ofinitiation of force as immoral and do not see it as inherently immoral (i.e., they do not express a belief innatural rights). Rather, their position is thatpolitical andeconomic 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 ofconsequentialism anddeontology.[2]
Unlike deontological libertarians, consequentialist libertarians advocate actions they believe bring about favorable consequences regardless of whether these constitute initiation of force.[6][7] For example, unlike deontological libertarians, some consequentialist libertarians supporteminent domain and involuntary taxes.[8] Particular views vary among consequentialist libertarians, with political theoristDavid D. Friedman supporting a consequentialist form ofanarcho-capitalism where the content of law is bought and sold rather than there being an established legal code forbidding initiation of force.[9]
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