leftlibertarianism

Left-libertarianism is a political philosophy that combines a strong commitment to individual liberty with a concern for fair access to natural resources and opportunities. It maintains that persons have a right to live freely and to form voluntary associations, but it also insists that the way resources are initially distributed should not infringe on the equal liberty of others.

Two influential strands have shaped the theory. Peter Vallentyne and colleagues articulate an inclusive ownership theory of property: individuals own themselves, and property rights arise from just acquisition of unowned resources in a way that does not diminish others’ freedom. Hillel Steiner developed a resource-based account of ownership, emphasizing that how natural resources are used should respect everyone’s basic liberties. Gary Chartier is a contemporary advocate who has helped popularize left-libertarian perspectives within a broader libertarian and socialist conversation.

A defining feature is the tension between liberty and equality in the distribution of resources. Left-libertarians typically accept self-ownership and voluntary exchange but argue that unowned resources should be claimed only in ways that preserve others’ equal liberty, sometimes requiring compensation, sharing profits, or limiting exclusive control. As a result, many left-libertarian positions favor cooperative institutions, decentralized decision making, and, in some versions, policies that promote broad access to essential resources or voluntary forms of social provision rather than coercive redistribution.

Left-libertarianism differs from right-libertarianism in its critique of extreme inequalities and its openness to egalitarian concerns, while differing from traditional socialist doctrines in its emphasis on individual liberty and voluntary association. Critics question how to define “equal liberty” and how to implement just acquisition in practice.