Libertarianism, from A to Z

by Jeffrey A. Miron

Overview

Libertarian principles seem basic enough — keep government out of boardrooms, bedrooms, and wallets, and let markets work the way they should. But what reasoning justifies those stances, and how can they be elucidated clearly and applied consistently? In Libertarianism, from A to Z, acclaimed Harvard economist Jeffrey Miron sets the record straight with a dictionary that takes the reader beyond the mere surface of libertarian thought to reveal the philosophy's underlying and compelling logic.

Tackling subjects as diverse as prostitution and drugs, the financial crises and the government bailouts, the legality of abortion, and the War on Terror, Miron takes the reader on a tour of libertarian thought. He draws on consequentialist principles that balance the costs and benefits of any given government intervention, emphasizing personal liberty and free markets. Miron never flinches from following those principles to their logical and sometimes controversial ends. Along the way, readers get a charming and engaging lesson in how to think like a libertarian.

Principled, surprising, and thought provoking, Libertarianism, from A to Z, has everything a bourgeoning libertarian — or any responsible citizen — needs to know.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780465025077
Publisher:	Basic Books
Publication date:	11/22/2011
Edition description:	First Trade Paper Edition
Pages:	220
Product dimensions:	5.38(w) x 8.12(h) x (d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Jeffrey A. Miron is a Senior Lecturer in the Harvard Department of Economics. He has appeared on CNN and PBS's News Hour and is frequently quoted in the New York Times and Forbes. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Editorial Reviews

Kevin M. Murphy, George J. Stigler Distinguished Service Professor of Economics, Booth School of Business, the University of Chicago
"In Libertarianism, from A to Z, Jeff Miron provides a much needed introduction to Libertarian thinking. In the process, he demonstrates the power of economic analysis. His book provides a much needed lesson in how to reach a conclusion rather than start with one. Students and pundits could benefit greatly from reading Miron’s work and following his example."

Brink Lindsey, Vice President for Research, Cato Institute
"In clear, common-sense prose, Jeffrey Miron looks at government policies from A to Z. To all of them he applies one simple test: do the benefits of government action outweigh the costs? And most of the time, he concludes the answer is no. Whether or not you always agree with him, you'll find your own thinking sharpened by his insistent, incisive skepticism."
 
Choice
“An excellent small volume that explains the libertarian approach and philosophy as it applies to a wide variety of issues and topics…With its wealth of information, this book deserves a place on the shelves of all academic libraries…Essential.

From the Publisher