SSC
Infinite Debt
Scott Alexander examines the concept of infinite debts in personal and societal contexts, proposing a practical approach of paying manageable 'interest' rather than attempting full repayment.
12 min read 1,834 words
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libertarianism
Essays tagged “libertarianism”. Follow an idea across the archive.
Essays on libertarianism
29 essaysSSC
A Something Sort Of Like Left-Libertarianism-ist Manifesto
Scott Alexander advocates for a political philosophy combining free markets with social welfare, proposing market-based alternatives to current welfare programs and regulations.
23 min read 3,475 words
LW
Solutions to Political Problems As Counterfactuals
Scott analyzes why some proposed political solutions feel wrong or useless by examining them as counterfactuals, arguing that valid solutions must involve modifying nodes you can actually influence rather than wishfully changing things you have no power over.
12 min read 1,787 words
LW
Typical Mind and Politics
Scott explores how innate neurological differences in emotional responses might drive political disagreements, suggesting that people form intuitive reactions first and rationalize them later, making political debate extremely difficult.
13 min read 1,864 words