Acquaintance Quote by Philip E. Agre
“Even those who identify themselves as libertarians follow an overtly anti-rationalist philosophy, as even a brief acquaintance with the work of Friedrich Hayek should make clear. The argument against reason in this literature is straightforward: it is impossible for any individual to acquire enough reliable information to make a rational decision, any actions founded on rational thought will therefore be delusional, any attempts at reason should therefore regarded as dangerous, and all action should instead be guided by tradition.”
About This Quote
Source Article: "The Logic of the Free Market" by Philip E. Agre, 1990
Libertarians claim rationalism but often reject it, arguing individuals lack sufficient information, making rational decisions impossible and tradition preferable.
In simple terms: Libertarians paradoxically distrust reason.
Key Takeaway
Question the limits of individual rationality.
Themes
politics
philosophy
reason
tradition
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
debate
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- economic forecasting
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
epistemology
individualism
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you trust tradition over reason?
- When is rational analysis necessary?
A Different Perspective
Rationalism can be essential for progress despite information limits.
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