Libertarianism: The Basics

Libertarianism: The Basics is an up-to-date and accessible introduction to libertarianism that breaks down abstract philosophical ideas in a fresh way.

Flanigan and Freiman interweave a wide-ranging survey of different libertarian philosophical traditions, with a discussion of libertarian perspectives on various applied topics of contemporary interest. Chapters introduce readers to the major theoretical debates in libertarianism, illustrating these debates through real-world policy case studies that draw on contemporary issues concerning criminal justice reform, immigration policy, national security, the environment, and more.

Ideal for teaching and appropriate for students at all levels, including high school, Libertarianism: The Basics will be the go-to text for anyone who is interested in learning more about political philosophy, applied ethics, philosophy, politics, economics, and public policy. The authors present arguments and ideas through a series of historical and contemporary cases, making the book suitable for all readers who want to learn about cutting-edge libertarian views on matters in both political philosophy and public policy.

Jessica Flanigan is the Richard L Morrill Chair of Ethics and Democratic Values at the University of Richmond. Her research addresses the ethics of public policy, medicine, and business. Jess is the author of Pharmaceutical Freedom (OUP 2017), Debating Sex Work (OUP 2019), and Why It’s OK to Have Bad Spelling and Grammar (Routledge 2025). Jess has also published scholarly articles in venues such as Philosophical Studies, Australasian Journal of Philosophy, The Journal of Moral Philosophy, the Journal of Political Philosophy, and The Journal of Business Ethics. Her research has been featured in media outlets including NPR, the Washington Post, Reason, Slate, and the Conversation. At the University of Richmond, she received the Distinguished Educator Award, the Distinguished Scholarship Award, and Faculty Member of the Year. She teaches Leadership Ethics, Medical Ethics, and Critical Thinking.

Christopher Freiman is a Professor in the department of General Business in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University. Previously, he was an Associate Professor of Philosophy at William & Mary. Chris is the author of Unequivocal Justice and Why It’s OK to Ignore Politics as well as over fifty articles and chapters on topics including democratic theory, distributive justice, and immigration. His work has appeared in venues such as the Australasian Journal of Philosophy, Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, Philosophical Studies, The Journal of Political Philosophy, Social Philosophy and Policy, The Journal of Ethics, Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, The Journal of Ethics and Social Philosophy, The Journal of Politics, and The Oxford Handbook of Political Philosophy. Chris’s writing has also been featured in a variety of popular outlets, including The Washington Post, Reason, Aeon, and Inside Higher Education. At West Virginia University, he received the 2025 Distinction in Teaching Award for full time faculty in the department of General Business; at William & Mary, he received an Alumni Fellowship Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Class of 1963 Term Distinguished Associate Professorship of Philosophy.