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The Machinery of Freedom (ISBN 0-8126-9069-9) is a book of essays by libertarian economist David D. Friedman. It is one of the most influential books in anarcho-capitalist literature. The Institute of Public Affairs Review included it in a list of the "Top 20 books you must read before you die."

The book calls for the privatization of all government functions, details suggestions for many specific instances of privatization, explores the consequences of libertarian thought, examples of libertarian society (such as the Icelandic Commonwealth), and offers the author's personal statement about why he became a libertarian.

Topics addressed in the book include the privatization of law (both legislation and enforcement), and the knotty problem of providing for public goods (such as national defense) in a purely libertarian society. Friedman's approach and conclusions may be specifically described as anarcho-capitalist.

Whilst most libertarians are deontological and argue in terms of "rights", Friedman employs utilitarianism and makes the argument that the consequences of anarcho-capitalism will be beneficial to the vast majority, including the poor. Although often seen as being at the extreme end of an extreme movement, Friedman's views on how to move from the current status quo to anarcho-capitalism are very pragmatic and often come in stages. For example, he favours the introduction of education vouchers as a prelude to privatization of the school system, and the decentralization of the police as a similar first step toward privatized defense.

Several chapters are freely available on the book's website.

References

1. Shearmur, Jeremy. Institute of Public Affairs Review, Jul2006, Vol. 58 Issue 2, p28-28, 1/3p; (AN 22056148)

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