While the basic tenets of libertarianism — individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace — seem simple and desirable to a broad swath of society, many people hesitate to identify as libertarian or advocate for libertarian policy proposals. Such reticence often stems from questions about the philosophical, moral, social, or economic justifications behind a liberty-maximizing approach. Can social and economic order emerge when individuals pursue their own interests, or do societies need leaders to govern them? What would happen to social services and infrastructure in a laissez-faire environment? Would culture and prudence dissolve? Would the rich dominate the poor?
From monetary policy to drug legalization, foreign policy to free markets, Tom Palmer will address these issues and explain how a libertarian philosophy emerges as a consistent ideology that can be applied to the entire scope of public policy.
Join us at the Cato Institute’s F. A. Hayek Auditorium for this discussion with interns from all over the Washington metro area. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres to follow.
Don’t miss the first installment of our Summer Intern Event Series.
