Excursions Into Libertarian Thought

George H. Smith explains some tactics that early freethinkers used in the attempt to avoid punishment for blasphemy and other religious crimes.Originally published in essay form on March 13, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith explores Shaftesbury’s defense of ridicule and satire in matters of religion.Originally published in essay form on March 6, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith explains how some leading Christian theologians justified the death penalty for heretics and blasphemers.Originally published in essay form on February 27, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith explains the similarities between medieval heresy and our modern notion of treason against the state.Originally published in essay form on February 20, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Augustine argued that religious persecution was justified when done in the interest of the salvation of those persecuted.Originally published in essay form on February 13, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith begins his series on the historical relationship between religious skepticism and libertarianism.Originally published in essay form on January 30, 2015.Narrated by Daniel Hyland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith discusses what Bernard Mandeville meant in saying that private vices produce public benefits, and how Francis Hutcheson criticized that theory.Originally published in essay form on January 23, 2015.Narrated by Daniel Hyland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith discusses Bernard Mandeville’s defense of legal prostitution and other vices.Originally published in essay form on January 16, 2015.Narrated by Daniel Hyland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith explains why Mandeville’s ideas about vice made him one of the most notorious writers of his time.Originally published in essay form on January 9, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Originally published in essay form on December 19, 2014.Narrated by Daniel Hyland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Originally published in essay form on December 12, 2014.Narrated by Daniel Hyland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Originally published in essay form on December 5, 2014.Narrated by Daniel Hyland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Originally published in essay form on November 21, 2014.Narrated by Daniel Hyland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Originally published in essay form on November 7, 2014.Narrated by Daniel Hyland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Originally published in essay form on October 31, 2014.Narrated by Daniel Hyland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Originally published in essay form on October 24, 2014.Narrated by Daniel Hyland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Originally published in essay form on October 17, 2014.Narrated by Daniel Hyland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Originally published in essay form on October 10, 2014.Narrated by Daniel Hyland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Originally published in essay form on September 26, 2014.Narrated by Daniel Hyland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Originally published in essay form on September 19, 2014.Narrated by Daniel Hyland. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.