libertarianism

Interview with Ken Schoolland (1/3): Philosophy of Liberty

In November of 2011 we visited with Ken Schoolland, an associate professor of Economics and Political Science at Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu Hawaii. Professor Schoolland is an economist, academic, author, and political commentator. He is most known amongst libertarian circles around the globe as the author of the World famous book “The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible, a Free Market Odyssey” as well as the accompanying introduction to libertarian principles titled “Philosophy of Liberty.” Over the years, professor Schoolland has written about many subjects concerning economics, education, and public policy in general, and his work has appeared in many publications around the World. He is a member of the Libertarian party in Hawaii, on whose platform he ran for US Senate in 1988 and 1990. In 2008 he threw his support behind Ron Paul for president. Professor Schoolland is currently the acting president of the International Society for Individual Liberty. Finally, Ken and his wife Li Zhao Schoolland host monthly libertarian forums under the name “The Foolish Things Salon” bringing in guest speakers, holding political discussions, and providing opportunities for people networking.

Video: 

What is Classical Liberalism/Libertarianism

A video in which Dr. Nigel Ashford from the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) explains the 10 core principles of the classical liberal & libertarian view of society and the proper role of government:

 

1) Liberty as the primary political value

2) Individualism

3) Skepticism about power

4) Rule of Law

5) Civil Society

6) Spontaneous Order

7) Free Markets

8) Toleration

9) Peace

10) Limited Government

 

Dr. Ashford is Senior Program Officer at the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) at George Mason University.

Video: 

What characterizes an ideal man?

What would be an example of an ideal man? Famous writer and philosopher Ayn Rand was obsessed with this idea. She described two such men in her novels: Howard Roark in The Fountainhead, and John Galt in the Atlas Shrugged.


Here is an excerpt from movie The Fountainhead in which Howard Roark (acted by Gary Cooper) makes his defense speech, in which Ayn Rand's vision of the ideal man can be clearly seen. From the speech it can be concluded that he is definitely a libertarian.


- video translated by CowboyBebop2012 YouTube channel.