The main difference between right wing libertarianism and left wing libertarianism?

Question

Are right wing libertarians (anarcho-capitalists) inherently pessimistic about human nature while left wing libertarians (anarcho-socialists) are inherently optimistic?

By "right wing," I mean that anarcho-capitalists subscribe to a might-makes-right philosophy that absolves institutions, particularly businesses, of any responsibility whatsoever for their historical and systematic faults and/or crimes. Anarcho-capitalists believe in a very narrowly-defined notion of "free will" whereby anyone is free to succeed or fail - but in the end, the individual is responsible for their actions. Conversely, right-libertarians refuse to hold institutions responsible for their actions - only the so-called "free market" defines what is right.

I'm not surprised that many of the posters (and thanks for replying!) have never thought about the differences between these two branches of thought. My experience has been that left-libertarians (those concerned with positive liberties) are perfectly comfortable with this label whereas right-libertarians (those concerned with negative liberties) refuse to acknowledge the very conservative aspects of their belief system.

For those interested in learning more about the different varieties of libertarian thought (not just the libertarianism associated with say, Ayn Rand and Lew Rockwell), check out Wikipedia for an excellent overview!

Answer 1

Uh, ... no.

When it comes to the minimum wage, for example, I would probably qualify as a "right-wing libertarian." I oppose the minimum wage law -- I not only oppose raising the minimum wage, I oppose the law in and of itself. That is largely because of my belief in capitalism and I optimistically believe that "working people" are quite capable of negotiating for themselves, without any help from government mandates, the wages that they would need in order to be able to provide for themselves.

I have never before heard of "left-wing libertarianism" as being "anarcho-socialism." That's a new one on me. When I think of "left-wing libertarianism," I think of "keep your laws off my body!" and "you can't legislate morality" and "why IS prostitution illegal, anyway?" and so on. And I think that those people are very pessimistic about human nature.

(I got that thumb down rather quickly.)

Answer 2

No, just the opposite; "Right Wing"/True Libertarians are optimistic about people; it's why they believe they can best operate and peacefully interact with no government.

It's the Left Wing Socialists who call themselves Libertarian that believe people need overbearing governments to keep them in line.

But then, reading your extrapoltions, it;s clear you're not very familiar with what either actually are or mean. Get a better source than Wikipedia.

Answer 3

Hmmmm....well, let's see - I can't get my head around anarcho-capitalists being right wing of any kind since the theory advocates the elimination of the state, the provision of law enforcement, courts, national defense, and all other security services (although the self ownership angle is purely Libertarian)

your question is a damn good one...I would have to agree with your analogy, for the most part. Capitalism is based on pessimism, while socialism is based on optimism.

Answer 4

you cant really be a true left wing libertarian. libertarians support a free market, and the left wing wants limitations to business.

Answer 5

You bring in the left-wingers to face left handed batters.

Answer 6

....nah ! I'm not interested in any of that pseudo political correctness crap... just where I can get some-more Ben and Jerry's Ice-Cream.... (thanks for being aware of all that for me... I really appreciate it....)

Answer 7

the diference is the two breasts in between them