Socially Ideological, Economically Pragmatic

In my last post, I described myself as a libertarian.

Perhaps what I meant was, I am socially libertarian.

This means I basically adhere to Mill's harm principle in all cases: if no one is being harmed by an action other than the actor, it is a permissible action, as long as everyone involved is consenting.

Without compromising my position, there must be laws to protect children and other vulnerable people. But rational, free thinking adults? Let them do as they please as long as no one is being harmed.

This is a debatable position and one that is not based in pragmatism. I have an ideological belief in liberty.

As an atheist, I believe humans probably have just this one life and just this one body. To control what another human being does with their life or with their body is to meddle in the one life they have been given.

If a person chooses to take drugs, they are only harming themselves. It is self punishing.

However, am I an economic libertarian? In many ways, yes.

Do I believe the state should have a monopoly on fizzy drinks? Of course not. Anyone should be able to make and a sell a sugary drink, which allows consumers the complete freedom to put their money where they wish.

In this sense, tax should be as low as possible so that individuals can choose what to do with their fairly earned income.

However, when it comes to healthcare, prisons or education, my views are a little different.

These are the foundations of a flourishing society and are too important to be left to private companies in all cases. Instead, I take a pragmatic approach: that is, what works in practice?

If the state can provide healthcare that leads to everyone, regardless of wealth staying away from illness, then it should do so.

If state run prisons reduce incidents of reoffending and successfully tackle crime, then they should remain publicly funded.

Does this make me a socialist, libertarian leftist? Not necessarily.

I have no ideological opposition to corporations or austerity. I would, for instance, describe Corbyn as an ideological socialist, believing that the state is better on ideological grounds.

Conversely, Osborne as Chancellor was ideologically committed to austerity and reducing the size of the welfare state.

So perhaps a new paradigm is needed. It's not about left or right; authoritarian or libertarian. It's about ideological vs. pragmatic.

I am socially ideological and economically pragmatic.

Brexit, Trump, Freedom & Flexibility

Never let yourself become trapped by circumstance.

Without delving into the mechanics of the free market and laissez-faire economics, I would describe myself as a libertarian.

Libertarianism is a vague label, but one which has been seized by the political right. You know, the ones who say we can't allow gay people to get married because there's a chance churches won't be free to be homophobic.

I say let the churches be homophobic! But let gay people marry.

Whether I'd describe myself as left wing kind of depends upon where the centre lies. With Trump and May in power, it seems the world has shifted to the right. But more importantly, it has shifted toward authoritarianism and nationalism.

Whilst I could be trapped in America behind Trump's wall, being in Brexit Britain isn't much better.

Freedom of movement is as essential a right as any other freedom. Freedom of speech, of assembly, of religion: Buzzwords of the Trumpets.

But why can't we have the right to move and travel and live and work where we please? America remains a bastion of freedom. As does Europe. But these freedoms are crumbling before our eyes.

Through fear of authoritarian, terrorist, theocratic, Islamic jihadists, we are allowing our liberty to be eroded.

I mentioned in a previous post that my job will only last one more month. Furthermore, the contract on my flat is only good for another three months.

Some people dread this kind of instability. I relish in it.

"Because a man who'd trade his liberty for a safe and dreamless sleep. doesn't deserve the both of them and neither shall he keep."

Philosophy Degrees: What are they good for?

I have recently graduated with a degree in philosophy. Naturally, my first step after graduation was to jump straight into unemployment.

Actually the truth is very different. Yes, I was unemployed for a few months. But I entered the "real world" (I hate that term) with a clarity of thought.

My idea of life was very well formed. With years of utilitarian and wellbeing study under my belt, I knew the true purpose of life was to be happy.

This seems kind of obvious, if over simplified. But if there is one thing about which I am certain, it is this.

What happiness is, is a different question. However, an easier and more useful question is: what makes us happy?

As an empiricist, I have read a mountain of studies which can answer this question. I do not have to go out and do my own research.

What makes me happy? Good quality relationships, high levels of health and a sense of purpose.

What makes me unhappy? Stress. Among other things. But stress was the key component of unhappiness that I sought to avoid.

So, following university, I went travelling to Peru and Bolivia, where the most stressful encounter is being spat at by an alpaca. Here I thought long and hard about my next steps, whilst trying with moderate success to live in the present.

I decided that when I arrived back in England, I'd rent a home in Sheffield. With only one month's rent money in the bank, I had 30 days to find employment.

After 29 days, not only did I have a job, I had a job that I loved. The pay was high, the environment was relaxed and my colleagues were friendly. Was I lucky? Sure. But the job I chose was for three months only, so I always knew I didn't have to stick around if it hadn't been right for me.

In the long term, I'd like to be a writer. I want to maintain a life that is as free from stress as possible, yet is passionate, engaging, productive and beneficial to others.

Philosophy: what is it good for?

Well, it gave my existence a point and my life a purpose.