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Hans-Hermann Hoppe on Justifying Libertarianism

The Ludwig von Mises Institute of Romania, on November 8-11, 2011 presents a colloquium with the author of “A Theory of Socialism and Capitalism”, Hans-Hermann Hoppe and the legacy of the private Mises Seminar in Bucharest.  This is an excerpt where Hoppe talks about justifying libertarian norms and the a priori of argumentation. Those who attempt to defend anything but libertarian norms are engaged in a performative contradiction.

Regarding the ability to engage in argumentation, there are three possible states:

1. “none” (inanimate object, dead)
2. “potential” (babies: part of their nature), (knocked unconscious, coma patient, mentally handicapped: those that have shown at least once to be able to engage in argumentation, and may be able to do so again)
3. “always” (children, adults etc.)

So therefore, and this is both logically rigorous and accurate.

1. No Rights
2. “Guardianship” or “Trustee” Rights, until they show and claim 3.
3. Full self-ownership.