TOWARD A DIALECTICAL LIBERTARIANISM

REVIEWS

ARI ARMSTRONG, "CAN LIBERTARIANS RECLAIM DIALECTICS?" COLORADO LIBERTY XXII, NOS. 11 & 12 (NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2001):  19.

Armstong writes:  "Sciabarra's book . . . offers a great many insights for the practical activist as well as for the more philosophically inclined. . . . Sciabarra's point is to make sure libertarians understand the complex historical conditions in which markets and politics evolve. . . . For the activist, Sciabarra's work suggests numerous lessons.  Don't trade a rich understanding of rights for a simplistic 'axiomatic' version.  Make sure you honestly engage other perspectives and seek to understand them.  Be conscious of the complex relationships between people and among institutions.  Be aware that ideas have consequences, but only in specific historical contexts.  Above all, realize the cultural conditions that are necessary for freedom to survive. . . . Libertarians should be radical without being utopian.  The key is to harness cultural forces already at work to move society steadily in a direction that's more amenable to human life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."