this post was submitted on 11 Jul 2023
0 points (50.0% liked)

libertarianism

393 readers
1 users here now

About us

An open, user owned community for the general disscussion of the libertarian philosophy.

Most people live their own lives by that code of ethics. Libertarians believe that that code should be applied consistently, even to the actions of governments, which should be restricted to protecting people from violations of their rights. Governments should not use their powers to censor speech, conscript the young, prohibit voluntary exchanges, steal or “redistribute” property, or interfere in the lives of individuals who are otherwise minding their own business.

Source: https://www.libertarianism.org/essays/what-is-libertarianism

Rules

1. Stay on topicWe are a libertarian community. There are no restrictions regarding different stances on the political spectrum, but all posts should be related to the philosophy of libertarianism.

2. Be polite to others and respects each others opinions.Be polite to others and respects each others opinions. We don't want any form of gatekeeping or circlejerk culture here.

3. Stay constructive and informationalIn general, all types of contributions are allowed, but the relevance to this community must always be evident and presented openly by the contributor. Posts that do not meet these requirements will be removed after a public warning. Also remember to cite you sources!

4. Use self-moderation measures first before reporting.This community is fundamentally built upon freedom of speech. Since everyone understands libertarianism differently and we do not want to exclude any kind of content a priori, we appeal to the individual users to block/mute posts or users who do not meet their requirements. Please bear this in mind when filing a report

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 

Hello fellow libertarians,

A few hours ago, a user here linked to an article about the protests in france. It suggests that the lack of armament of the public has led to an uncontrolled outbreak of violence on the part of criminal gangs. I found this perspective exciting, but unfortunately the post was quickly deleted after he received some downvotes, so I would like to share my thoughts here.

Even though I am not in favor of gun bans, I have serious doubts as to whether such relaxed gun ownership as in the us would have deescalated the situation in any way. In my view, owning weapons to protect oneself and one's fellow human beings is absolutely justifiable, but the uncontrolled acquisition and loose carrying regulations in public spaces are definitely not.

I would very much look forward to a discussion with you about this topic and maybe OP might say something about it?

The link for reference: https://libertarianinstitute.org/articles/as-france-disintegrates-gun-control-leaves-citizens-defenseless-against-rioters/

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Yeah the main problem about gun control issues is the fact that guns exist. As soon as guns started to exist it's just been one huge problem 🤣. These types of problems are always cropping up, but it's just rehashing the dame old arguments over and over and over again. Can't it be boiled down to something like "humans choose¹ to use tool² for the purpose of hurting³ others. What do we do?" #2-We can't erase guns from ever existing, so that's the annoying part because this "problem" could easily be solved if you just unexist the tool that is being used. #1 could be solved by removing human choice or free will. After all, any tool could be used to hurt someone the problem is the free will. #3-if person A shoots at person B, can B fire back? Remove guns from the equation. If A instigates violence against B and person B fights back the who is hurting whom? If 2 people are fistfighting who is right, who is wrong?

All these issues are dealt with so neatly if you start with the foundations of a philosophy. Libertarianism slowly builds a foundation of natural truths and builds layer upon layer to answer these complex questions. Certainly Libertarianism says that violent aggression against persons or property is not acceptable right? And Libertarianism cannot bend the rules when it comes to personal liberty. People are free to act and to own tools -even (and especially) if those tools could be used to inflict harm. It boggles my mind to think the popular culture believes mankind should only be free to do good, or be kind, or say uplifting things, or help others. But not freedom to do bad, to be mean, to say hurtful things, to harm others. Freedom is the ability to choose, right guys? Right?? ... guys...?