Book club on anarcho-capitalism

[Libertarian666]

In the last month, the political climate has changed so much that it is now extremely relevant to think about what society might be like without police. As I mentioned on the other thread, I'm quite well acquainted with this topic but until now it has been very theoretical. Now it is in the news, so I think it's wise for every thinking person to get familiar with this possibility.

I'll start with a theoretical exposition of law, police, and courts in anarcho-capitalism:
Chapter 12 of For a New Liberty by Murray Rothbard.

After that, to flesh out the possibilities, we should discuss fictional depictions of what such a society might look like:
1. The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress.
2. The "North American Confederacy" series by L. Neil Smith, starting with The Probability Broach.
3. Voyage from Yesteryear by James P. Hogan.
4. Alongside Night by J. Neil Schulman.

I think that's plenty to get us started if anyone is interested.

Any takers?

[Mountaineer]

Mad Max everywhere is my perspective. But I haven’t read the referenced books.

[Libertarian666]

Mad Max everywhere is my perspective. But I haven’t read the referenced books.

I'm sure you know this, but "Mad Max" is not very realistic; its intent was cinematic drama. The books I recommend represent considerable thought as to what might logically happen in the circumstances they portray.

[vnatale]

Mad Max everywhere is my perspective. But I haven’t read the referenced books.

I'm sure you know this, but "Mad Max" is not very realistic; its intent was cinematic drama. The books I recommend represent considerable thought as to what might logically happen in the circumstances they portray.

Did anyone else besides me ever wonder in that movie (and similar ones) where they obtained their gasoline? Or, was that one of those suspensions of logic we accept for certain movies?

Vinny

[Libertarian666]

Mad Max everywhere is my perspective. But I haven’t read the referenced books.

I'm sure you know this, but "Mad Max" is not very realistic; its intent was cinematic drama. The books I recommend represent considerable thought as to what might logically happen in the circumstances they portray.

Did anyone else besides me ever wonder in that movie (and similar ones) where they obtained their gasoline? Or, was that one of those suspensions of logic we accept for certain movies?

Vinny

The latter.

[WiseOne]

I read the Moon is a Harsh Mistress years ago, but never connected it with anarcho-capitalism. I'll have to give that a re-read. Thanks for the list!

[Kriegsspiel]

I've seen The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress mentioned so much I'm gonna have to read it. Starship Troopers was so good; I'm expecting great things.

[Kriegsspiel]

Related, Starship Troopers has 4 entries, vs 13 for TMIAHM, on the SF inventions page.

[Hal]

Mad Max everywhere is my perspective. But I haven’t read the referenced books.

I'm sure you know this, but "Mad Max" is not very realistic; its intent was cinematic drama. The books I recommend represent considerable thought as to what might logically happen in the circumstances they portray.

Did anyone else besides me ever wonder in that movie (and similar ones) where they obtained their gasoline? Or, was that one of those suspensions of logic we accept for certain movies?

Vinny

The latter.

First two films were more logical then it went downhill.
Always liked the subtle placing of the sign post to Anakie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiRd5Kcl2GU

[Libertarian666]

I read the Moon is a Harsh Mistress years ago, but never connected it with anarcho-capitalism. I'll have to give that a re-read. Thanks for the list!

I've reread it several times but not in the last couple of years, so it's time for me to do that too.
As soon as I get done with my corporate taxes.

[Libertarian666]

Related, Starship Troopers has 4 entries, vs 13 for TMIAHM, on the SF inventions page.

Yeah, but almost half of the inventions credited to MIAHM are actually the same invention: AI.

[Mark Leavy]

I've seen The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress mentioned so much I'm gonna have to read it.

Far and away my favorite Heinlein book.

[Mark Leavy]

Did anyone else besides me ever wonder in that movie (and similar ones) where they obtained their gasoline? Or, was that one of those suspensions of logic we accept for certain movies?

Vinny

I always assumed (without too much thought) that the fuels were synthetics derived from coal or wood - like the Germans made during WWII. Today we would just make biodiesel from animal fat. Or alcohols from fermentation and distillation. Or methane from composting. Or hydrogen from electrolysis...

Hydrocarbons are readily available with a minor amount of chemistry.