Archive for Andrew I. Cohen
Individualism in Modern Thought from Adam Smith to Hayek
Some social theorists believe that moral, political, and economic order must be imposed according to some central plan. In their view, only constant management can generate and sustain the complex, mutually supportive norms of advanced societies. Another tradition in social thought defends an “open society” one founded on respect for voluntarism and individual freedom. Thinkers [...]
1Dec1999 | Andrew I. Cohen | 1 comment | ContinuedFriendship and the Free Society
Andrew Cohen teaches philosophy at the University of Oklahoma, Norman. Private property and limited government are unrivaled in promoting personal liberty and material abundance. These institutions of a free society also beat the competition in promoting another vital personal and social good, namely, friendship. Beneath our differences, people understand that self-respect, some wealth, a sense [...]
1Aug1999 | Andrew I. Cohen | 0 comments | ContinuedFlags, Flames, and Property
Andrew Cohen teaches philosophy at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. A constitutional amendment that would forbid the desecration of American flags is again percolating in the nation’s capital. As of this writing, the immediate prospects for passage look bleak. But this amendment has a way of never fully going away. Many opponents of the [...]
1Jan1999 | Andrew I. Cohen | 1 comment | ContinuedUnrugged Individualism: The Selfish Basis of Benevolence and Generosity: Virtue in Civil Society
Andrew Cohen teaches philosophy at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. Critics often wonder how an ethics of self-interest has room for good will toward others, since it seems that egoism demands a ruthless unconcern for others. According to this caricature, egoists must cherish independence and eschew helping or being nice to other people. Is [...]
1Nov1998 | Andrew I. Cohen | 0 comments | ContinuedLet Property Settle Smoking Disputes
Andrew Cohen teaches philosophy at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. Public policy debates nowadays are often confused about what ought to count as a “public” policy. Injecting a healthy appeal to individual rights could help resolve disputes by showing just what ought to count as anyone’s proper business. The antismoking hysteria gripping America is [...]
1Feb1998 | Andrew I. Cohen | 2 comments | Continued-
The Latest
Contraception: Insuring the Uninsurable
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The Snow Plowers’ Petition
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Super Bowl versus Education?
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Capitalism, Corporatism, and the Freed Market
When a front-running presidential contender tells the country that thanks to Barack Obama, “[w]e are... Read More
Creating Jobs versus Creating Value
Picking on New York Times columnist Paul Krugman is one of the largest participation sports on the Internet.... Read More
