“It is possible to have law without government, to have order without force, to have cooperation without coercion.”
David D. Friedman is an economist and legal theorist known for his work on market-based alternatives to government. In his influential book The Machinery of Freedom, he explores how core functions of society, including law and defense, could be provided through voluntary cooperation rather than coercive institutions. Unlike many libertarian thinkers, Friedman builds his case from consequentialist reasoning, drawing on his background in economics and physics to examine how decentralized systems can foster order and prosperity. He has taught at Santa Clara University and other institutions, and his writings continue to shape discussions around law, economics, and political philosophy.
Estimated World’s Smallest Political Quiz Score:
Economic: 100
Personal: 100
Note: David D. Friedman has not taken The World’s Smallest Political Quiz and this score is purely an estimate made by The Advocates For Self-Government.