Created on the initiative of two associations—ALEPS (Association for Economic Freedom and Social Progress) and IREF (European Institute for Economic and Fiscal Research)—the quarterly Journal des libertés aims to make people better known and appreciated, but also develop what is commonly called classical liberal thought.
Raise awareness. Many misconceptions circulate about this thought. The “liberal”, in the popular mind, is above all, if not only, a supporter of economic freedom – “Laissez faire, laissez passer” –; a foolish optimist who thinks that market and paradise are very close—the invisible hand!—and that the individual should be the only master on board in a society that would be only the sum of these individuals. However, all these assertions are, at best, only distortions of a much richer, deeper and more sophisticated thought. This thought has been expressed in many books, articles, testimonies that can be found on the often dusty shelves of our libraries. Our goal is to make it accessible to a large number of people.
Better appreciate. Getting out of these caricatures, which almost systematically lead to rejection, and revealing the true content and coherence of liberal thought is the primary mission of this Journal des libertés. This thought is above all a matter of political philosophy, of a reflection on power, on law and on a sophisticated analysis of the behaviors and aspirations of individuals unable to flourish without exchanging, cooperating and sharing with others. While cooperation in the sphere of the market order has of course always fascinated these thinkers, it has never been their sole field of investigation.
Develop. The search for coherence in thought does not necessarily lead to uniformity. The challenges before us are often complicated and points of view may differ on the best path forward. If strong convictions bring together the different authors and actors who have nourished liberal thought, these are not enough to dictate in all circumstances the conduct to be followed, the policy to be implemented. This is why it is essential to debate, to open up to new analyzes in order to find solutions adapted to today’s problems. To show the timeliness and strength of this thought.
