The Henry George School Podcast · Henry George School of Social Science

153. Rethinking Economics - Georgist Libertarianism

·1 hr 26 min·5 clips

Martin Jacobson reveals the pre-theoretical intuition behind libertarianism: people should only interact voluntarily.

This episode features host Nathan Green and Dr. Martin Jacobson, a political philosopher specializing in left-libertarian thought. Dr. Jacobson's work explores Georgism as a fusion of libertarian and progressive philosophies centered on land access. The conversation examines the core principles of libertarianism and its relationship to Georgist ideas. Dr. Jacobson defines libertarianism through policy commitments like free markets and skepticism of state authority, as well as core principles like self-ownership and non-aggression. He distinguishes between philosophical anarchism, which questions the state's moral authority, and political anarchism, which seeks to abolish the state. The discussion identifies two distinct traditions calling themselves left-libertarianism: free-market anti-capitalism and the analytical philosophy tradition emphasizing equal rights to natural resources. Dr. Jacobson notes the strong parallels between this second tradition and Georgism, sometimes using the terms interchangeably. A key insight is Dr. Jacobson's argument that free markets, not state power, can be the best mechanism to achieve progressive ends like equality and non-domination. He discusses the historical Georgist commune of Arden, Delaware, funded by philanthropist Joseph Fels, which ultimately failed to tax the full land value due to regulatory capture by residents. The philosopher references economist Gabriel Kolko's work, which argues that state intervention in the railroad industry enforced cartelization rather than preventing it. Dr. Jacobson suggests community land trusts could be a non-state mechanism for experimenting with Georgist aims on a smaller scale. The tone is educational and conversational, structured as an interview exploring philosophical definitions and historical case studies. Listeners interested in political philosophy, heterodox economics, or the intersections between libertarian and progressive thought would appreciate this episode. Those seeking a debate on current policy or a narrative-driven story might find it too academic.

As heard by us

A careful case for Georgist libertarianism and the institutions it still needs.

This episode keeps Georgism and left-libertarian thought on the same table, and that is where it feels most useful. Dr. Martin Jacobson lays out the case for Georgism as a blend of libertarian and progressive ideas, while Nathan Green keeps pressing on the messy parts: who…

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Why you'd press play

If you want a careful discussion of land value tax through a left-libertarian lens, start here.

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