Walter Block: The Pimp, the Panderer, and the Principles of Liberty

Walter Block's Defending the Undefendable turns morality on its head, arguing that many reviled professions actually benefit society. We'll examine Block's libertarian philosophy, unpack the economics of "sin," and debate the role of government in a free society.

Walter Block's Defending the Undefendable makes a case for the economic benefits of several stigmatized roles in society. Block uses libertarian principles to argue that many so-called "villains" do not initiate violence and should not be outlawed. The book challenges conventional morality, defending figures like pimps, blackmailers, and slumlords by arguing that their activities can be beneficial on the free market. Block critiques laws restricting actions such as prostitution or drug use, viewing them as violations of individual liberty. He applies similar logic to academic freedom, advertising, and other controversial topics, questioning societal norms and the role of government intervention. Ultimately, the book provokes a reconsideration of economic scapegoats, challenging readers to examine the unintended consequences of moral condemnation and legal prohibition.