So what? Why should an a priori proof of the libertarian…
““So what? Why should an a priori proof of the libertarian property theory make any difference? Why not engage in aggression anyway?” Why indeed?! But then, why should the proof that 1+1=2 make any difference? One certainly can still act on the belief that 1+1=3. The obvious answer is “because a propositional justification exists for doing one thing, but not for doing another.” But why should we be reasonable, is the next come-back. Again, the answer is obvious. For one, because it would be impossible to argue against it; and further, because the proponent raising this question would already affirm the use of reason in his act of questioning it. This still might not suffice and everyone knows that it would not, for even if the libertarian ethic and argumentative reasoning must be regarded as ultimately justified, this still does not preclude that people will act on the basis of unjustified beliefs either because they don’t know, they don’t care, or they prefer not to know. I fail to see why this should be surprising or make the proof somehow defective.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Reasoning provides a justification that can be debated, but people may act on irrational beliefs regardless of logical proof.
In simple terms: Reasoning can be ignored by irrational actions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of rational persuasion.
Themes
philosophy
ethics
politics
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
argumentative
When to use this quote
- policy advocacy
- public discourse
- education
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
libertarianism
rationality
belief justification
political theory
academic debate
personal responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we motivate rational action over irrational belief?
- What role does emotion play in ethical decisions?
A Different Perspective
Rational arguments may not change behavior if emotions or ignorance dominate.