The economist Carl Menger claimed in 1891 that “in every conflict of interest between the rich and poor, the strong … Continue reading “Adam Smith and problems with the new paternalism”

To ban something is to insist that people want that thing, wish to undertake that activity. After all, if the … Continue reading “To ban or not to ban? The case of chlorine-washed chicken”

Tim Worstall has written a nice little essay about paternalism for the IEA. In To Ban or Not To Ban?, … Continue reading “When is the government justified in restricting freedom?”

I don’t remember the last time I saw a six-year-old queuing for a cappuccino in Pret. Nor have I ever … Continue reading “Energy drinks – yet again, the government is jumping on the ‘banned’ wagon”

Our country is plagued with state paternalism, and it’s only getting worse. From the sugar tax and its potential expansion … Continue reading “State paternalism rests on shaky philosophical foundations”

Robert H. Frank offered an unusual justification for clamping down on smokers in the New York Times last month. As … Continue reading “For God’s sake, Robert Frank: just admit that you’re a paternalist”

It’s easy to dismiss ‘nanny state’ regulation as a minor nuisance but the underlying paternalism of those who wish to … Continue reading “Why can’t nanny state campaigners at least admit that they’re anti-liberal paternalists?”

‘If people are given responsibility, they behave responsibly. So if we give people more political power, I believe that will … Continue reading “Why individual liberty could be the new election battleground”

“Gravity exists. The world is round. Climate change is happening.” So tweeted Barack Obama’s advocacy group Organizing for Action on Monday, … Continue reading “Science Says So – politicians are exploiting our blind faith in the power of science”