This essay discusses libertarian socialism in the light of recent debate in moral and political philosophy. It proposes two principles–affirmed by the pioneers of nineteenth-century libertarianism–and reconstructs them on the basis of arguments that have figured prominently in the vibrant, non-socialist, left-libertarian debate. My purpose is to put forward, and try to defend, a socialist reconciliation between self-ownership and equality that works as an alternative to the left-libertarian reconciliation.
This essay explores libertarian socialism in the context of debates in moral and political philosophy. It introduces two key principles originally supported by early nineteenth-century libertarians and reexamines them using arguments commonly found in contemporary, non-socialist, left-libertarian discussions. The goal is to present and defend a socialist approach that reconciles self-ownership and equality as a viable alternative to the standard left-libertarian view.