Jun 3, 2026

Article only version

An AI narration of the article 'What Is The Libertarian Theory of Parental Obligations?' by Jake Desyllas.

This article examines four competing philosophical theories of the parental role within a libertarian framework: parental ownership, parenting as charity, parenting as voluntary social contract, and causal parental responsibility. It critically analyzes each theory, evaluating its logical implications—particularly concerning the legitimacy of enforceable parental obligations—and its compatibility with libertarian principles. The article argues that the first three theories are unsound and incompatible with libertarianism. In contrast, it defends the theory of causal parental responsibility as the only sound framework consistent with libertarian philosophy, grounding enforceable parental obligations in the creation of peril. This analysis seeks to resolve long-standing debates and establish a coherent libertarian theory of parental obligation.

Chapters:

0:00 Abstract
1:00 Introduction
3:06 The Theory of Parental Ownership
7:29 The Theory of Parenting as Charity
17:33 The Theory of Parenting as Voluntary Social Contract
24:19 The Theory of Causal Parental Responsibility
36:30 Parental Obligations in Contemporary Libertarian Thought
41:06 Conclusion

First published at https://jls.mises.org/article/141458-what-is-the-libertarian-theory-of-parental-obligations on 1 July 2025.