Individuals and Their Rights by Tibor R. Machan

Individuals and Their Rights

Author: Tibor R. Machan

Genre: Political Philosophy • Ethics • Libertarian Theory • Natural Rights

Insightful Overview

In Individuals and Their Rights, renowned philosopher and libertarian Tibor R. Machan presents a rigorous, philosophically grounded defense of individual rights. Going beyond legal frameworks, Machan argues that rights arise from human nature—rooted in our rational and moral capacities—and are not granted by government authority.

• Philosophical foundation: Builds rights from metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics—showing how foundational questions influence public policy.
• Rationalist approach: Explores the “non-aggression axiom,” examines what counts as aggression, and addresses real-world policy implications.
• Libertarian alignment: Advocates minimal government intervention and critiques collectivist ideologies, affirming that genuine individual rights pre-exist any legal or state system.

Why This Book Matters

• Clear & readable: Praised for making complex philosophical arguments accessible and engaging.
• Timeless influence: Continues to shape discussions in libertarian philosophy, ethics, and public policy.
• Authoritative perspective: Machan, a Hungarian-American scholar, held positions at leading universities and think tanks, bringing depth from both academia and libertarian activism.

Ideal For

• Students and scholars of political philosophy and natural rights theory
• Libertarian readers exploring the foundations of freedom and political ethics
• Anyone interested in deepening their understanding of personal liberty and the moral limits of state power

Publication Details

• First published: December 1, 1989 (approximately 250–280 pages)
• Formats: Hardcover & paperback; also available in eBook and institutional reprints

What Readers Value

• “Grounds our rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness in a broad philosophical framework.”
• “A very readable book on natural rights, tackling metaphysics, ethics, and politics.”

If you’re seeking a principled, philosophical grounding for individual rights and a powerful critique of collectivist policy, Individuals and Their Rights is an essential, enduring resource.