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Burning down the house : how libertarian philosophy was corrupted by delusion and greed  Cover Image Book Book

Burning down the house : how libertarian philosophy was corrupted by delusion and greed / Andrew Koppelman.

Koppelman, Andrew, (author.).

Summary:

"A lively history of American libertarianism and its decay into dangerous fantasy. In 2010 in South Fulton, Tennessee, each household paid the local fire department a yearly fee of $75.00. That year, Gene Cranick's house accidentally caught fire. But thefire department refused to come because Cranick had forgotten to pay his yearly fee, leaving his home in ashes. Observers across the political spectrum agreed-some with horror and some with enthusiasm-that this revealed the true face of libertarianism. But libertarianism did not always require callous indifference to the misfortunes of others. Modern libertarianism began with Friedrich Hayek's admirable corrective to the Depression-era vogue for central economic planning. It resisted oppressive state power. It showed how capitalism could improve life for everyone. Yet today, it's a toxic blend of anarchism, disdain for the weak, and rationalization for environmental catastrophe. Libertarians today accept new, radical arguments-which crumble under scrutiny-that justify dishonest business practices and Covid deniers who refuse to wear masks in the name of "freedom." Andrew Koppelman's book traces libertarianism's evolution from Hayek's moderate pro-market ideas to the romantic fabulism of Murray Rothbard, Robert Nozick, and Ayn Rand, and Charles Koch's promotion of climate change denial. Burning Down the House is the definitive history of an ideological movement that has reshaped American politics"-- Provided by publisher.

Record details

  • ISBN: 9781250280138 (hardcover)
  • Physical Description: 310 pages ; 25 cm
  • Edition: First edition.
  • Publisher: New York : St. Martin's Press, 2022.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Subject: Capitalism > Political aspects > United States.
Individualism > Political aspects > United States.
Libertarian literature > United States.
Libertarianism > United States.

Available copies

  • 1 of 1 copy available at Tsuga Consortium. (Show)
  • 1 of 1 copy available at Innisfil Public Library System. (Show)
  • 1 of 1 copy available at Lakeshore Branch.

Holds

  • 0 current holds with 1 total copy.
Show All Copies
Location Call Number / Copy Notes Barcode Shelving Location Status Due Date
Lakeshore Branch 320.5120973 Kop 31681010296010 NONFIC Available -


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