Ideologies / Voluntarist / Herbert Spencer
Herbert Spencer — ink portrait
§ The minds · 1820–1903 · United Kingdom · Philosopher

Herbert Spencer

The right to ignore the state

Liberty as the law of equal freedom.

Economic+74
SocialistMarket
Governance−70
LibertarianAuthoritarian
Social+10
TraditionalProgressive
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The philosopher whose 'Social Statics' included 'The Right to Ignore the State', a foundational text for voluntaryism's claim that no one is bound to a state they do not consent to.

social

Evolutionary individualist of his era.

economic

Laissez-faire markets and voluntary cooperation.

governance

Argued individuals may decline the state's authority altogether.

Notable for
  • 'Social Statics'
  • 'The Right to Ignore the State'
  • Law of equal freedom
equal-freedomlaissez-faireconsent
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