Respect for Individuals

Welcome to your life
There's no turning back
Even while you sleep
We will find you
--Tears for Fears

Prof Miron explains that a primary difference between libertarians and statists (i.e., progressives and conservatives) is respect for individual decisions. Libertarians believe that individuals should be free to make their own decisions without forcible interference from others.

Progressives and conservatives believe that there are situations where others, via the strong arm of government, must intervene in individuals decisions. Stated differently, statists do not believe in the sovereignty of the individual.

Miron's observations translate into the central principle of libertarianism: that of non-aggression. Aggression, or offensive force applied directly by an offender or indirectly thru contracting with strong-armed government agents is always wrong. Wrong from both a moral and a utilitarian perspective.