Walter Block

Walter Block is an Austrian School economist, anarcho-capitalist philosopher, and professor of economics at Loyola University New Orleans. He has authored numerous books and academic articles focusing on free market economics, libertarian theory, and private property rights. Block's most well-known work is "Defending the Undefendable" (1976), which presents controversial arguments in favor of social pariahs and economic activities typically considered objectionable, using libertarian economic principles. His academic contributions include extensive work on private roads, privatization theory, and labor economics. As a former senior fellow at the Ludwig von Mises Institute, Block has written extensively on topics including monetary policy, environmental economics, and discrimination. His work frequently examines the intersection of ethics and economics through a libertarian lens. Block's research has appeared in numerous academic journals including the Journal of Libertarian Studies, Review of Austrian Economics, and the Quarterly Journal of Austrian Economics. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Columbia University and has taught at several institutions including Stony Brook University and the College of the Holy Cross.

Readers engage strongly with Block's provocative economic arguments, particularly in "Defending the Undefendable." Reviews show clear polarization between those who appreciate his logical consistency and those who find his positions extreme. What readers liked: - Clear, systematic application of libertarian principles - Detailed economic analysis backed by data - Challenges conventional thinking with novel arguments - Direct writing style that avoids academic jargon What readers disliked: - Perceived as too absolutist in libertarian positions - Some arguments seen as deliberately inflammatory - Limited consideration of opposing viewpoints - Technical economics sections can be dense From review aggregators: - Goodreads: "Defending the Undefendable" averages 4.0/5 from 1,100+ ratings - Amazon: Most books maintain 4+ star ratings but with polarized reviews - LibraryThing: 3.8/5 average across his works One reader noted: "Forces you to examine your premises, even if you ultimately disagree." Another criticized: "Takes valid free-market principles to unrealistic extremes."

Defending the Undefendable (1976) A economic analysis that applies libertarian principles to examine various stigmatized professions and activities in society, including blackmail, drug dealing, and prostitution.

Labor Economics from a Free Market Perspective (2008) An examination of labor markets, unions, minimum wage laws, and employment regulations from an Austrian economics viewpoint.

Building Blocks for Liberty (2006) A collection of essays addressing core concepts of libertarian theory including private property rights, free markets, and voluntary exchange.

The Privatization of Roads and Highways (2009) A detailed analysis of how private ownership could function in transportation infrastructure, examining historical examples and theoretical frameworks.

Space Capitalism: How Humans will Colonize Planets, Moons, and Asteroids (2018) An economic analysis of space exploration and colonization through the lens of free market principles and private property rights.

Water Capitalism: The Case for Privatizing Oceans, Rivers, Lakes, and Aquifers (2016) An examination of private property solutions to water resource management and distribution challenges.

An Austrian Perspective on the History of Economic Theory (2007) A critical examination of various schools of economic thought from the perspective of Austrian economics.

Murray Rothbard wrote extensively on Austrian economics, anarcho-capitalism, and libertarian theory as Block's mentor and colleague at the Mises Institute. His works like "Man, Economy and State" and "For a New Liberty" established core frameworks that Block built upon in his research.

Hans-Hermann Hoppe developed anarcho-capitalist theory through works on private law, democracy, and immigration from an Austrian economics perspective. His focus on private property rights and criticism of state institutions aligns with Block's approach to economic analysis.

Ludwig von Mises established the methodological and theoretical foundations of Austrian economics that Block applies in his work. His contributions on economic calculation, monetary theory, and price formation are central to understanding Block's analytical framework.

Robert Murphy writes on Austrian economics, free banking, and private law while engaging with Block's ideas on privatization and ethics. His work examining the practicality of anarcho-capitalist institutions follows similar methodological approaches to Block's research.

Thomas DiLorenzo focuses on economic history, monopoly theory, and criticism of government intervention from an Austrian perspective. His analysis of historical examples and market processes reflects Block's emphasis on applying economic logic to controversial topics.