The Voluntary Life

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What Is The Libertarian Theory of Parental Obligations? JLS Article Jun 03, 2026

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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.

You Cannot Give Up Parental Obligations May 31, 2026

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An AI narration of the article 'You Cannot Give Up Parental Obligations' by Jake Desyllas.

Parental obligations exist because creating a child places that child in a state of peril, and the parents are the ones causally responsible for that peril. From this foundation, Jake draws an unsettling conclusion: those obligations cannot be legitimately given up. Through carefully constructed thought experiments — a bonfire that endangers a neighbour's house, a swimmer pushed into a lake — he shows that delegating the task to someone else does not erase the original obligation. The argument cuts across unintended parenthood, adoption, and gamete donation, with implications many will find uncomfortable. If parents cannot legitimately absolve themselves of their obligations, what does that mean for the practices and institutions we have built around the idea that they can?

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction 3:33 Unintended Parenthood 5:45 Parents Who Give Up Their Child For Adoption 10:04 Gamete Donors/Sellers 11:47 Conclusion

First published at https://www.jakedesyllas.com/blog/2024/10/8/you-cannot-give-up-parental-obligations on 8 October 2024.

A Critique of Rothbard's Theory Of Parental Ownership May 24, 2026

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An AI narration of the article 'A Critique of Rothbard's Theory Of Parental Ownership' by Jake Desyllas.

Self-ownership is a foundational principle of libertarian philosophy — but does it extend to children? Murray Rothbard rejected outright ownership of children, yet defended a "limited" parental ownership on homesteading grounds. This essay traces the contradiction in Rothbard's position and argues the correct framing: parents hold obligations to their children, not ownership rights, and children are self-owners from the moment they are created.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction 1:35 Rothbard's Conflicting Arguments on Parental Ownership 4:47 Individuals Cannot Be Homesteaded 7:33 Rothbard's Two Models Of Limited Parental Ownership 9:57 What Was Rothbard Trying To Achieve? 13:30 Parental Ownership Rights Are Merely Asserted 14:45 The Core Premise At Fault 15:34 The Correct Formulation Of The Parental Role

First published at https://www.jakedesyllas.com/blog/2024/12/29/a-critique-of-rothbards-theory-of-parental-ownership on 29 December 2024.

The State's Drive to Destroy the Family May 17, 2026

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The State's Drive to Destroy the Family: Institutional Logic and Time Preference

A presentation by Jake Desyllas at the 2026 Austrian Economics Research Conference held at the Mises Institute in Auburn, Alabama.

Justifying Parental Authority Without Ownership May 10, 2026

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A presentation by Jake Desyllas at the 2026 Libertarian Scholars Conference held at the Mises Institute in Auburn, Alabama.

Interview: A Libertarian Theory of Parental Obligations May 03, 2026

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What Is the Libertarian Theory of Parental Obligations? Apr 26, 2026

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A presentation by Jake Desyllas at the 2025 Libertarian Scholars Conference held at the Mises Institute in Auburn, Alabama. The article of this talk is at https://jls.mises.org/article/141458-what-is-the-libertarian-theory-of-parental-obligations

Financial Independence: The Most Important Kind Of Freedom (And How To Achieve It) Apr 22, 2026

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Presentation at Freedom Fest 2023 in Memphis by Jake Desyllas.

Job Free by Jake Desyllas (Full Audiobook Unabridged) Dec 17, 2024

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Job Free: Four Ways to Quit the Rat Race and Achieve Financial Freedom on Your Terms

Full Audiobook (Unabbridged) by Jake Desyllas

Forget searching for the right job—start building a life in which you don't need a job. A job-free life is possible, and you have options about how to achieve it. This book provides real-world examples of people who have successfully quit the rat race using four different strategies: extreme saving, unjobbing, lifestyle businesses, and startups. Whether you want to achieve financial independence and retire early, or simply never work for anyone else again, this book provides an essential guide to the different lifestyle-design strategies open to you. An inspiring and concise introduction to job freedom and financial independence, by someone who has achieved both.

Becoming An Entrepreneur by Jake Desyllas (Full Audiobook Unabridged) Oct 11, 2024

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Becoming an Entrepreneur: How to Find Freedom and Fulfillment as a Business Owner

Full Audiobook (Unabridged) by Jake Desyllas

Successful entrepreneur Jake Desyllas demystifies entrepreneurship, providing a cheerful and inspiring call to action for those who yearn to break free.

Becoming an Entrepreneur is unique in its focus on the psychological dimensions of starting a business. Using personal examples, Desyllas approaches this topic with insight and sensitivity, showing you how to overcome the mindset of "employee conditioning" and find fulfillment by creating an enterprise in line with your values.

Readers will learn how to reach profitability, remove themselves from the daily grind, and achieve personal and professional freedom as a business owner.

Becoming an Entrepreneur is a short, jargon-free guide, packed with solid advice that you can start using today to build and manage your own business. By the time you've finished reading this book, you'll understand the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and have a set of timeless principles that can you use in any business situation.

If you're ready to jailbreak your career and lifestyle, Becoming an Entrepreneur will set you on the right path.

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