Are Libertarians Social Darwinists? Dispelling the Myth

Libertarianism is often misunderstood, and one of the most common misconceptions is the notion that libertarians are proponents of Social Darwinism. This article aims to clarify this misconception and provide a detailed analysis of libertarian thought, its roots, and its distinguishing features from Social Darwinism.

Understanding Libertarianism

Libertarianism is a philosophical and political ideology characterized by a strong belief in personal freedom, free markets, and limited government intervention in private affairs. It emphasizes the protection of individual rights, including the right to property, and supports a libertarian lifestyle where people can live according to their own personal beliefs and values without coercion from the state.

The Myth of Social Darwinism in Libertarianism

The claim that libertarians are social darwinists is largely unfounded. While some libertarians may have some knowledge of the works of Herbert Spencer and Social Darwinism, the overwhelming majority of libertarians do not hold such beliefs.

The Roots of Social Darwinism

Herbert Spencer, an English philosopher and writer, popularized the concept of Social Darwinism in the late 19th century. Social Darwinism posits that the principles of natural selection—survival of the fittest—apply to human societies. This idea was often used to justify brutal colonialism, racism, and eugenics. Charles Darwin, who is often associated with Spencer, actually rejected the application of his theories to human societies, arguing that cooperation was crucial to human success.

According to anthropologist Charles Darwin, what makes humans successful is not competition but cooperation. He noted that forming social groups that exclude outsiders can sometimes prevent social conflict and keep diverse cultures separate. However, this does not imply that the weak should be allowed to die for the improvement of the gene pool.

Libertarian Principles: A Detailed Analysis

Libertarian principles are straightforward: Do not hurt people and do not take their stuff. This ethos underpins the philosophy of non-aggression and personal responsibility. Libertarians believe that individuals should be free to pursue their own path, and laws should primarily serve to protect people from aggression, not to dictate how they should live their lives.

Key Differences Between Libertarianism and Social Darwinism

Ethics vs. Nature: Libertarianism is based on ethical laws derived from moral considerations, whereas Social Darwinism asserts that ethical laws are derived from nature. In reality, laws are codified by societies and reflect human values, rather than natural attributes. Cooperation vs. Competition: Libertarians emphasize cooperation, believing that individuals and groups can benefit from mutual agreements and voluntary exchanges. While cooperation does involve strategic alliances, it is not linked to the survival of the fittest, but rather to mutual benefit and shared prosperity. Mainstream Popularity: Some libertarians may read the works of Herbert Spencer, but Spencer is not a significant contributor to contemporary libertarian thought. Most modern libertarians are more aligned with the principles of limited government and personal freedom.

Personal Experiences and Observations

As a lifelong libertarian, I have personally known numerous libertarians, and none of them espoused social darwinist views. In my interactions with libertarians through the Travis County Austin, Texas, and National Libertarian parties, I found that most were deeply committed to the principles of cooperation and ethical behavior.

Conclusion

While there may be some libertarians who have read Spencer's works, the overwhelming majority of libertarians are not social darwinists. Libertarianism is a philosophy founded on personal autonomy, non-aggression, and cooperation, and it is fundamentally opposed to the aggressive and unethical principles of Social Darwinism.

Those who claim that libertarians are social darwinists are doing a disservice to both libertarianism and social darwinism. Libertarianism, when properly understood, is a philosophy that promotes ethical law, cooperation, and respect for individual rights, rather than the survival of the fittest through violent means.