Feb 7 • 19:30 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina Clarin (ES)

Walter Block: "For conventional economists, there are no economic laws, only hypotheses. They are wrong"

Walter Block discusses the growing influence of anarcho-capitalist ideas in Latin American politics, particularly attributing it to figures like Javier Milei and challenging critiques of controversial economic activities.

Walter Block, a notable figure in anarcho-capitalist economics, argues that conventional economists misunderstand the essence of economic laws, viewing them only as hypotheses. He suggests that the rise of anarcho-capitalist thought in contemporary politics, especially in Latin America, can be traced back to the influence of Murray Rothbard and prominent political figures like Javier Milei, who champion this economic philosophy. Block notes that these ideas are gaining traction due to their focus on individual liberty and voluntary contracts, even in contexts that are socially frowned upon.

In his book "Defending the Indefensible," which was published fifty years ago, Block controversially posits that activities such as prostitution and blackmail, while socially stigmatized, can be viewed through an economic lens where the service provided meets a market demand. He emphasizes that his argument is not a moral endorsement of these activities but rather a defense of the principle that voluntary agreements should not be criminalized. This view challenges the moralistic opposition to these practices by positing that a libertarian framework prioritizes the freedom of association over moral judgments.

Block's perspective invites significant dialogue on the implications of criminalizing certain behaviors deemed immoral and the extent to which societal norms should influence legislation. By asserting that no one should be coerced into criminalizing voluntary exchanges, he reinforces a fundamental libertarian principle: the axiom of non-aggression. This offers a radical rethinking of the implications of personal choice and economic freedom in societal structures, particularly relevant in the current climate of political discourse in Latin America.

📡 Similar Coverage