Portal:Libertarianism/Intro

Libertarianism (from Latin libertas, meaning "freedom") is a collection of political philosophies and movements that uphold liberty as a core principle.

Libertarians seek to maximize political freedom and autonomy, emphasizing freedom of choice, voluntary association and individual judgment. Libertarians share a skepticism of authority and state power, but they diverge on the scope of their opposition to existing political and economic systems. Various schools of libertarian thought offer a range of views regarding the legitimate functions of state and private power, often calling for the restriction or dissolution of coercive social institutions.

Most libertarians, specifically left-libertarians, seek to abolish capitalism and private ownership of the means of production in favor of common or cooperative ownership and management, viewing private property as a barrier to freedom and liberty. Other libertarians, notably right-libertarians, instead advocate laissez-faire capitalism and strong private property rights, such as in land, infrastructure and natural resources.

An additional line of division is between minarchists and anarchists—while minarchists think that a minimal centralized government is necessary, socialist anarchists and anarcho-capitalists propose to completely eliminate the state. More about Libertarianism...