Convincing people
From Free Talk Live
Please help expand this page as you see fit This page is intended to be a response to Johnson's suggestion that we create a page to help people look at issues in different ways. I'm starting this page off with the 2 basic arguments that Stefan Molyneux has described.
Contents |
Argument from efficiency
The free market is the most efficient system.
- Economic Calculation Problem
If a government controls the economy, resources will be allocated inefficiently, inevitably leading to market failure.
Argument from morality
- The free market is the most moral system.
According to Stefan Molyneux, the argument for morality is based upon universality and reciprocity. If an action is bad for one, than it's bad for all. Therefore, if a private citizen cannot steal, then neither can the state (,i.e. taxation)/
Words to avoid
When talking to those aligned with the Democratic Party
- Capitalism
- Collectivism
- Communism/Socialism
When talking to aligned with the Republican Party
- (Classical) Liberal(-ism)
Common objections
Economic force
- If there is only one business in a town, can't the business force its employees to do things they wouldn't do otherwise? Doesn't this justify government intervention in the market?
No, this situation is physically impossible in a free market.
The Greater good
- We need to help those less fortunate then ourselves
Granted, humans are altruistic and may seek to help those in hardship/distress. Still, this can be achieved on a voluntary basis and not via force. Compassion and empathy for one's fellow man are never forced.
