Skepticism and Freedom

Richard A. Epstein offers a thorough defense of classical liberalism, advocating for limited government over the welfare state while addressing critiques and emphasizing individual autonomy, property rights, and the importance of personal choice.

In Skepticism and Freedom, Richard A. Epstein presents a thorough defense of classical liberalism, addressing critiques that have emerged over the past three decades. Epstein, a prominent legal scholar, articulates his vision of classical liberalism, which emphasizes individual autonomy, strong private property rights, voluntary exchanges, and the prohibition of force or fraud. He argues that while state intervention is necessary to protect these principles, a limited government is far superior to the modern welfare state.

Epstein systematically counters various modern critiques aimed at the foundations of classical liberalism. He emphasizes the importance of respecting individual choices, asserting that our inability to fully understand others' preferences necessitates a commitment to personal liberty. He challenges behavioral economic theories that claim individual preferences are unstable, arguing instead that humans are capable of rational decision-making when pursuing their goals.

Ultimately, Epstein posits that true freedom is rooted in skepticism—specifically, a skepticism that refrains from imposing judgments about what is best for others while simultaneously rejecting the notion that all perspectives on political institutions hold equal value. Skepticism and Freedom stands as a significant intellectual contribution, reinforcing the principles of classical liberalism and advocating for a political framework that prioritizes individual liberty and limited government intervention.