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| website = {{URL|freedomainradio.com}} | website = {{URL|freedomainradio.com}}
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'''Stefan Basil Molyneux''' ({{IPAc-en|s|t|ɛ|ˈ|f|ɑː|n|_|ˈ|m|ɑː|l|ɪ|n|j|uː}}; born 24 September 1966) is a Canadian author, speaker, and host of '']''.<ref name=Horsager-TheTrustEdge/><ref name=Boghossian-Escaping/><ref name=Times-2009/><ref name=Globe-2008/><ref name=thenextweb-blog/><ref name=Leamington-2008/><ref name=OA-2012/> Molyneux's areas of focus include ] ], ] based on the strict application of the ], ], ], ] (]), ], non-violent parenting, and familial relationship issues. He has written and ] eight non-fiction books, and his essays have been published on libertarian websites such as ] and ]. He is a frequent ] at political and technology conferences and has appeared on television, radio, and podcasts to discuss his views. His online philosophy show, ''Freedomain Radio'', has independently produced over 1,500 videos and 2,700 podcasts {{as of|lc=y|df=US|url=http://vidstatsx.com/stefbot/youtube-channel|2014|June}}. '''Stefan Basil Molyneux''' ({{IPAc-en|s|t|ɛ|ˈ|f|ɑː|n|_|ˈ|m|ɑː|l|ɪ|n|j|uː}}; born 24 September 1966) is a Canadian author, speaker, and host of the online philosophy show '']''. Molyneux's areas of focus include ] ], ] based on the strict application of the ], ], ], ] (]), ], non-violent parenting, and familial relationship issues. He has written and ] eight non-fiction books, and his essays have been published on libertarian websites such as ] and ]. He is a frequent ] at political and technology conferences and has appeared on television, radio, and podcasts to discuss his views. His show, ''Freedomain Radio'', has independently produced over 1,500 videos and 2,700 podcasts {{as of|lc=y|df=US|url=http://vidstatsx.com/stefbot/youtube-channel|2014|June}}.


] of the ] described Molyneux as "probably the single most influential libertarian thinker of our times" for his ability to teach young people in the digital age.<ref name=Tucker-AMA>{{cite web|last=Kinsella|first=Stephan|authorlink=Stephan Kinsella|title=Jeff Tucker on Reddit’s "Ask Me Anything"|url=http://libertarianstandard.com/2012/03/12/jeff-tucker-on-reddits-ask-me-anything/|work=The Libertarian Standard|date=March 12, 2012|accessdate=8 May 2014}}</ref> The parents of one listener of his show brought concerns about this influence to the media in 2008.
== Life and career==

== Early life ==
Molyneux was born in Ireland, but moved to England and Africa as a boy before settling in Canada around 1978.<ref name=Mississauga-2003>{{cite news |title=Author Stefan Molyneux To Russia, with love |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/10E4169AE30BF068/0EB2D3A803A21E8C?s_lang=en-US |newspaper=] |location=], Ontario |date=June 1, 2003 |page=Arts & Entertainment: 15 |via=''] (Access World News)'' |issn=0834-6585 |oclc= 290997481|accessdate=June 18, 2014}}</ref> As a teenager, Molyneux was engrossed in computer programming, often spending free time in his school's computer lab. At 19, to earn money for school, he worked in northern Canada as a ] and ].{{sfn|Molyneux|2008rtr|p=234}} In university, Molyneux pursued a career in acting and writing.<ref name=Burg-Star/> After attending the ] of ], where he was a member of Theatre Glendon<ref name=Star-23Feb1988>{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Phil |title=Horrors! Dracula's at Glendon College |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/10C28D2E2077D420/0EB2D3A803A21E8C?s_lang=en-US |newspaper=] |location=Ontario, Canada |date=February 23, 1988 |page=NEIGHBORS: N17 |via=''] (Access World News)'' |accessdate=June 18, 2014}}</ref> and the Debating Society,<ref name=ProTem-8Feb1988>{{cite news|last=da Costa|first=Cathy |title=World Champions at Glendon |url=http://pi.library.yorku.ca/ojs/index.php/protem/article/download/15635/14559|format=PDF|work=Pro Tem|publisher=]/] |date=February 8, 1988 |page=4|accessdate=May 9, 2014}}</ref> he spent two years at the ] graduating in 1990.<ref name=Burg-Star>{{cite news|last=Burg|first=Robert|title=Their software keeps tabs on site data |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/10BBE23015C8E780/0EB2D3A803A21E8C?s_lang=en-US |newspaper=] |location=Ontario, Canada |page=BUSINESS: D1 |date=May 26, 1997 |via=''] (Access World News)'' |accessdate=June 18, 2014}}</ref> Molyneux received a B.A. in History from ] in 1991 and an M.A. in History from ] in 1993.<ref name=Globe-2008/><ref name=Burg-Star/> According to Molyneux, he focused on the history of philosophy and his ] analyzed "the political implications of the philosophies of ], ], ], and ]".<ref name=FDR-About>{{cite web|title=Freedomain Radio > About|url=http://freedomainradio.com/about/|accessdate=May 14, 2014}}</ref> Molyneux was born in Ireland, but moved to England and Africa as a boy before settling in Canada around 1978.<ref name=Mississauga-2003>{{cite news |title=Author Stefan Molyneux To Russia, with love |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/10E4169AE30BF068/0EB2D3A803A21E8C?s_lang=en-US |newspaper=] |location=], Ontario |date=June 1, 2003 |page=Arts & Entertainment: 15 |via=''] (Access World News)'' |issn=0834-6585 |oclc= 290997481|accessdate=June 18, 2014}}</ref> As a teenager, Molyneux was engrossed in computer programming, often spending free time in his school's computer lab. At 19, to earn money for school, he worked in northern Canada as a ] and ].{{sfn|Molyneux|2008rtr|p=234}} In university, Molyneux pursued a career in acting and writing.<ref name=Burg-Star/> After attending the ] of ], where he was a member of Theatre Glendon<ref name=Star-23Feb1988>{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Phil |title=Horrors! Dracula's at Glendon College |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/10C28D2E2077D420/0EB2D3A803A21E8C?s_lang=en-US |newspaper=] |location=Ontario, Canada |date=February 23, 1988 |page=NEIGHBORS: N17 |via=''] (Access World News)'' |accessdate=June 18, 2014}}</ref> and the Debating Society,<ref name=ProTem-8Feb1988>{{cite news|last=da Costa|first=Cathy |title=World Champions at Glendon |url=http://pi.library.yorku.ca/ojs/index.php/protem/article/download/15635/14559|format=PDF|work=Pro Tem|publisher=]/] |date=February 8, 1988 |page=4|accessdate=May 9, 2014}}</ref> he spent two years at the ] graduating in 1990.<ref name=Burg-Star>{{cite news|last=Burg|first=Robert|title=Their software keeps tabs on site data |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AWNB/10BBE23015C8E780/0EB2D3A803A21E8C?s_lang=en-US |newspaper=] |location=Ontario, Canada |page=BUSINESS: D1 |date=May 26, 1997 |via=''] (Access World News)'' |accessdate=June 18, 2014}}</ref> Molyneux received a B.A. in History from ] in 1991 and an M.A. in History from ] in 1993.<ref name=Globe-2008/><ref name=Burg-Star/> According to Molyneux, he focused on the history of philosophy and his ] analyzed "the political implications of the philosophies of ], ], ], and ]".<ref name=FDR-About>{{cite web|title=Freedomain Radio > About|url=http://freedomainradio.com/about/|accessdate=May 14, 2014}}</ref>


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Molyneux's first fiction book ''Revolutions'', set in late 19th century Russia, was completed in 1991, and published in 2002 by ] after a decade-long search for a publisher in Canada.<ref name=Mississauga-2003/> In 2002, Molyneux graduated from the ] where he completed a fiction book ''The God Of Atheists''.<ref name=Globe-2008/> His play ''Seduction'' (adapted from ]'s '']'') appeared on stage in Toronto. His co-written 1998 short film ''After'', based on his original short story about a soldier returning home from war, was a top 10 finalist at the ]<ref name=After-HFF>{{cite web|title=Hollywood Discovery Awards Finalists (Short Subject Film Finalists) |url=http://www.hollywoodfestival.com/awards/thefilms98.html#after |date=1998 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19990202052801/http://www.hollywoodfestival.com/awards/thefilms98.html#after |archivedate=1999-02-02 |publisher=] |accessdate=June 20, 2014}}</ref> and has aired on ] and ].<ref name=Mississauga-2003/> Molyneux's first fiction book ''Revolutions'', set in late 19th century Russia, was completed in 1991, and published in 2002 by ] after a decade-long search for a publisher in Canada.<ref name=Mississauga-2003/> In 2002, Molyneux graduated from the ] where he completed a fiction book ''The God Of Atheists''.<ref name=Globe-2008/> His play ''Seduction'' (adapted from ]'s '']'') appeared on stage in Toronto. His co-written 1998 short film ''After'', based on his original short story about a soldier returning home from war, was a top 10 finalist at the ]<ref name=After-HFF>{{cite web|title=Hollywood Discovery Awards Finalists (Short Subject Film Finalists) |url=http://www.hollywoodfestival.com/awards/thefilms98.html#after |date=1998 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19990202052801/http://www.hollywoodfestival.com/awards/thefilms98.html#after |archivedate=1999-02-02 |publisher=] |accessdate=June 20, 2014}}</ref> and has aired on ] and ].<ref name=Mississauga-2003/>


In his subsequent career, he has been described as "one of the single most influential libertarian thinkers of our times" by ] of the ].<ref name=Tucker-AMA>{{cite web|last=Kinsella|first=Stephan|authorlink=Stephan Kinsella|title=Jeff Tucker on Reddit’s "Ask Me Anything"|url=http://libertarianstandard.com/2012/03/12/jeff-tucker-on-reddits-ask-me-anything/|work=The Libertarian Standard|date=March 12, 2012|accessdate=8 May 2014}}</ref>
== ''Freedomain Radio'' == == ''Freedomain Radio'' ==
<!-- FDR background --> <!-- FDR background -->
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== Philosophical views == == Philosophical views ==


=== Dispute resolution organizations === === Stateless society and DROs ===
Molyneux's 2005 essay ''The Stateless Society: An Examination of Alternatives'', published by the libertarian website ], introduced his concept of ] ("DROs") which, in a ], provide or coordinate services related to enforcing contracts and resolving disputes.<ref name=molyneux-DRO>{{cite web|last=Molyneux|first=Stefan|title=The Stateless Society An Examination of Alternatives|url=http://www.lewrockwell.com/2005/10/stefan-molyneux/the-stateless-society-an-examination-of-alternatives/|publisher=]|date=October 24, 2005|accessdate=8 May 2014}}</ref> DRO's would operate under a system of ] (a type of ] ]), as a result of broad acceptance of the ] ("NAP") and the discontinuation of the government which, by its nature, violates the NAP.<ref name=BlockToward>{{cite journal|last=Block|first=Walter E.|authorlink=Walter Block|title=Toward a libertarian theory of charitable donations to criminals, governments|journal=Economics, Management, and Financial Markets|ISSN=1842-3191|OCLC=85794657|date=Dec 2011|volume=6|issue=4|pages=9–28|publisher=Addleton Academic Publishers|accessdate=May 25, 2014}}</ref> In such a stateless society, DROs would coordinate services previously provided by governments related to private defense, insurance, and courts.<ref name=Awuku-DROs>{{cite web|last=Awuku|first=Christopher|title=DRO' Protection: An Example of How It Could Work|url=http://www.strike-the-root.com/71/awuku/awuku4.html|publisher=Strike The Root|date=February 11, 2007|accessdate=8 May 2014}}</ref> He explored this idea further in his book ''Practical Anarchy''.{{sfn|Molyneux|2008pa}} Molyneux's 2005 essay ''The Stateless Society: An Examination of Alternatives'', published by the libertarian website ], introduced his conceptualization of ] ("DROs") which, in a ], provide or coordinate services related to enforcing contracts and resolving disputes.<ref name=molyneux-DRO>{{cite web|last=Molyneux|first=Stefan|title=The Stateless Society An Examination of Alternatives|url=http://www.lewrockwell.com/2005/10/stefan-molyneux/the-stateless-society-an-examination-of-alternatives/|publisher=]|date=October 24, 2005|accessdate=8 May 2014}}</ref> DRO's would operate under a system of ] (a type of ] ]), as a result of broad acceptance of the ] ("NAP") and the discontinuation of the government which, by its nature, violates the NAP.<ref name=BlockToward>{{cite journal|last=Block|first=Walter E.|authorlink=Walter Block|title=Toward a libertarian theory of charitable donations to criminals, governments|journal=Economics, Management, and Financial Markets|ISSN=1842-3191|OCLC=85794657|date=Dec 2011|volume=6|issue=4|pages=9–28|publisher=Addleton Academic Publishers|accessdate=May 25, 2014}}</ref> In such a stateless society, DROs would coordinate services previously provided by governments related to private defense, insurance, and courts.<ref name=Awuku-DROs>{{cite web|last=Awuku|first=Christopher|title=DRO' Protection: An Example of How It Could Work|url=http://www.strike-the-root.com/71/awuku/awuku4.html|publisher=Strike The Root|date=February 11, 2007|accessdate=8 May 2014}}</ref> He explored this idea further in his book ''Practical Anarchy''.{{sfn|Molyneux|2008pa}}

In June 2012, Molyneux was invited to debate in Brazil with ] (link in Portuguese), a professor from the ]. The philosophers debated ''The Role of the State in Society'', with Molyneux advocating for statelessness and Safatle advocating for state socialism.<ref name=MisesBrasil-debate>{{cite web|title=A função do estado na sociedade - Debate entre Stefan Molyneux e Vladimir Safatle |url=http://www.mises.org.br/FileUp.aspx?id=206 |language=Portuguese |trans_title=The Role of the State in Society - Debate between Stefan Molyneux and Vladimir Safatle |publisher=Instituto Ludwig von Mises Brasil |date=2012 |accessdate=June 26, 2014 |quote=A Casa do Saber, o Instituto Ludwig von Mises Brasil e do Instituto de Formação de Líderes convidam para o debate entre os filósofos Stefan Molyneux e Vladimir Safatle<nowiki> </nowiki>}}</ref>


=== ''Universally Preferable Behaviour'' === === ''Universally Preferable Behaviour'' ===
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Revision as of 05:03, 28 June 2014

Stefan Basil Molyneux
File:Stefan Molyneux photo.jpgMolyneux in 2014
Born (1966-09-24) 24 September 1966 (age 58)
Athlone, Ireland
NationalityCanadian
Alma materUniversity of Toronto
Notable workUniversally Preferable Behaviour
Practical Anarchy
Against the Gods
Era21st-century philosophy
RegionAmerican philosophy
SchoolVoluntaryism
Main interestslibertarianism, secular ethics, moral universalism, non-aggression principle, strong atheism
Websitefreedomainradio.com

Stefan Basil Molyneux (/stɛˈfɑːn ˈmɑːlɪnjuː/; born 24 September 1966) is a Canadian author, speaker, and host of the online philosophy show Freedomain Radio. Molyneux's areas of focus include libertarian political philosophy, voluntaryism based on the strict application of the non-aggression principle, secular ethics, strong atheism, cryptocurrency (Bitcoin), history, non-violent parenting, and familial relationship issues. He has written and self-published eight non-fiction books, and his essays have been published on libertarian websites such as LewRockwell.com and antiwar.com. He is a frequent public speaker at political and technology conferences and has appeared on television, radio, and podcasts to discuss his views. His show, Freedomain Radio, has independently produced over 1,500 videos and 2,700 podcasts as of June 2014.

Jeffrey Tucker of the Mises.org described Molyneux as "probably the single most influential libertarian thinker of our times" for his ability to teach young people in the digital age. The parents of one listener of his show brought concerns about this influence to the media in 2008.

Early life

Molyneux was born in Ireland, but moved to England and Africa as a boy before settling in Canada around 1978. As a teenager, Molyneux was engrossed in computer programming, often spending free time in his school's computer lab. At 19, to earn money for school, he worked in northern Canada as a gold panner and prospector. In university, Molyneux pursued a career in acting and writing. After attending the Glendon College of York University, where he was a member of Theatre Glendon and the Debating Society, he spent two years at the National Theatre School of Canada graduating in 1990. Molyneux received a B.A. in History from McGill University in 1991 and an M.A. in History from University of Toronto in 1993. According to Molyneux, he focused on the history of philosophy and his thesis analyzed "the political implications of the philosophies of Immanuel Kant, G.W.F. Hegel, Thomas Hobbes, and John Locke".

After graduation, Molyneux returned to his interest in programming. In early 1995, he and his brother Hugh Molyneux founded Caribou Systems Corporation, a provider of environmental management information system software headquartered in the Willowdale neighbourhood of Toronto. Stefan held the position of Chief Technology Officer until the company was sold in 2000.

Molyneux's first fiction book Revolutions, set in late 19th century Russia, was completed in 1991, and published in 2002 by PublishAmerica after a decade-long search for a publisher in Canada. In 2002, Molyneux graduated from the Humber School for Writers where he completed a fiction book The God Of Atheists. His play Seduction (adapted from Turgenev's Fathers and Sons) appeared on stage in Toronto. His co-written 1998 short film After, based on his original short story about a soldier returning home from war, was a top 10 finalist at the Hollywood Film Festival and has aired on CBC and WTN.

Freedomain Radio

In 2005, Molyneux began a podcast called Freedomain Radio ("FDR"), which was a Top 10 Finalist in the 2007 and 2008 Podcast Awards in the Education category. Shortly after starting the Freedomain Radio podcast, Molyneux started a website under that name as a place to distribute his self-published books, host podcast archives, and act as a community forum for FDR listeners. Molyneux now releases most new FDR content via his YouTube channel, which as of June 2014 has over 1,500 videos, 162,000 subscribers, and 33 million channel views. Audio versions of new FDR content continue to be published also in podcast form, of which there are now over 2,700 produced. Molyneux distributes his non-fiction books and spoken material free-of-charge and eschews typical methods of funding the show, such as online advertising revenue, instead preferring the immediate feedback he gets from direct listener donations, a choice that he believes inspires him to produce high quality content. FDR offers additional podcasts, book and article drafts, and premium forum access to members that subscribe or make one-time payments at various levels.

On Freedomain Radio, Molyneux conducts interviews and debates with notable guests including Noam Chomsky, anarcho-libertarian theorist Walter Block, Zeitgeist founder Peter Joseph, psychological development and addition specialist Gabor Maté, developmental psychologist Alison Gopnik, child psychologist Peter Gray, Socratic journalist Jan Helfeld, Harvard economics lecturer and Cato Institute fellow Jeffrey Miron, intellectual property attorney Stephan Kinsella, Austrian School economist Robert P. Murphy, and Divorce Corp director Joseph Sorge. FDR also includes single-topic videos, commentary on current events, technology, and movie reviews from Molyneux's philosophical viewpoint. There is also a weekly call-in show where listeners can ask philosophy questions or discuss personal issues. These call-in shows have occasionally been guest-hosted men's movement activist Warren Farrell and unschooling advocate Dayna Martin.

Public appearances

Speaking at The Next Web 2014

Molyneux is a frequent guest speaker at libertarian conferences and events. He delivered a keynote at the New Hampshire Liberty Forum in March 2009, where he presented his "Against Me" argument – a method of conducting a political debates by inviting opponents to admit that they advocate for direct initiation of force. He's spoken at Liberty Fest NYC in 2011, FreedomFest in Las Vegas in 2012, and PorcFest 2013 in Lancaster, New Hampshire. He has attended the Libertopia festival held in San Diego each year since 2010, and acted as master of ceremonies twice. Molyneux was emcee of LibertyFest West held in Odessa, Texas on February 11, 2012.

Molyneux has appeared on television, radio, and other podcasts to discuss his viewpoints and popular videos. He has been a commentator on RT television programs Adam vs The Man, The Keiser Report, and Breaking the Set. He's been interviewed by ReasonTV and The Alex Jones Show. Molyneux has been a frequent guest host of the Peter Schiff Show since 2012, and has been both a guest and guest host of The Corbett Report. He has appeared twice as a featured guest on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

In 2014, Molyneux debated drug legalization at Upper Canada College's World Affairs Conference. He also began a series of appearances advocating the use of Bitcoin for political change. He spoke at the Texas Bitcoin Conference, the Bitcoin Expo 2014 in Toronto, and The Next Web Conference in Amsterdam. He appeared at the International Conference on Men’s Issues June 2014 in Detroit.

Philosophical views

Stateless society and DROs

Molyneux's 2005 essay The Stateless Society: An Examination of Alternatives, published by the libertarian website LewRockwell.com, introduced his conceptualization of dispute resolution organizations ("DROs") which, in a stateless society, provide or coordinate services related to enforcing contracts and resolving disputes. DRO's would operate under a system of anarcho-capitalism (a type of libertarian anarchism), as a result of broad acceptance of the non-aggression principle ("NAP") and the discontinuation of the government which, by its nature, violates the NAP. In such a stateless society, DROs would coordinate services previously provided by governments related to private defense, insurance, and courts. He explored this idea further in his book Practical Anarchy.

In June 2012, Molyneux was invited to debate in Brazil with Vladimir Safatle (link in Portuguese), a professor from the University of São Paulo. The philosophers debated The Role of the State in Society, with Molyneux advocating for statelessness and Safatle advocating for state socialism.

Universally Preferable Behaviour

In his 2007 book Universally Preferable Behaviour: A Rational Proof for Secular Ethics, Molyneux describes his approach for evaluating the validity of moral theories using logic and empiricism, comparing it to the use of the scientific method to prove physical theories. He proposes that if any moral statement lacks internal consistency by having flawed or self-contradictory structure, or if it can be shown to conflict with the rules of logic, it can be dismissed without further examination. The moral statement is then investigated for external consistency, by confirming that it adheres to observable evidence and arrives at the correct result for cases generally accepted as immoral, such as rape, murder, and theft. "Universally preferable behaviours", then, are the actions of people that comply with the universal moral statements that are objectively derived in this process and should be considered binding among people.

In 2011, Molyneux was invited by Students for Liberty to give a webinar on Universally Preferable Behaviour, and took questions and feedback from the audience.

In 2012, libertarian philosopher David Gordon gave a critical examination of the book in The Mises Review, stating, "is arguments are often preposterously bad". Gordon documented what he sees as fundamental flaws in philosophical reasoning, though he did praise Molyneux's insights into external verification, agreeing that "f a theory cannot show that a rule that purported to make obligatory is ill-formed, the theory should be rejected." Molyneux and Gordon later exchanged responses to the points raised in the review but could not come to agreement on key issues, such as universality.

Parent-child relationships

Molyneux is morally and ethically opposed to confrontational forms of child discipline, including corporal punishment (spanking), time-outs, grounding, and verbal abuse (yelling). In his view, children share the same universal natural right as adults have to be free from violence, and so the use of coercive force against them is a violation of the non-aggression principle. He advocates "peaceful parenting", which replaces discipline with preparation and reasoning.

In essays, his books On Truth and Real-Time Relationships, and on Freedomain Radio, Molyneux states his view that relationships between all individuals should be entirely voluntary, and that this also extends to familial relationships. He maintains that adult children can choose to estrange themselves by exercising their right to disassociate from parents or other family members if they no longer feel affection or desire contact, especially if they were abusive or neglectful. Molyneux refers to the childhood family that people are born into as the "FOO", an acronym "family of origin" (a phrase used in psychology) to distinguish it from family relationships chosen voluntarily as adults, such as spousal relationships.

In 2008, the parents of an 18-year-old Freedomain Radio ("FDR") community member took complaints about these views to media outlets in the UK and Canada, claiming that Molyneux is the leader of a "therapy cult", after their son abruptly broke off all contact with the family ("deFOOed"). The son called-in to FDR in the weeks prior to ask about his veganism and his intense disgust towards people that eat meat or are cruel to animals. Molyneux quickly suggested that the source of this disgust was that son had grown up around someone in authority that was cruel to animals. The son confirmed this, describing memories of his father being verbally and physically cruel to the family cat, causing him to feel intimidated by the father, and then described his emotional detachment toward his mother and the rest of his family. The following month, the son left a note stating he no longer wanted contact and left home. A representative of the Cult Information Centre described the situation as "a worrying development", noting that cults often cut people off from their families. Molyneux provided evidence to the media that, of the 50,000 regular listeners, only about 20 FDR members had "deFOOed". Molyneux added: "If I advised a wife to leave an abusive husband, there would not be articles about how I am a cult leader."

Strong atheism

Molyneux advocates strong atheism, maintaining that the existence of deities can be disproven through the application of reason, logic, and empiricism. Molyneux expresses one such disproof of deity concepts that are defined as both omniscient and omnipotent by drawing upon the analogy of a "square circle", such as in this passage from Against the Gods:

A square circle is an impossible entity, and therefore cannot exist. We do not have to hunt the entire universe from edge to edge to know that a square circle does not exist; it is not an act of will to accept that a square circle does not exist, it is simply a recognition of reality and the nature of existence.
Take any property or ethic of the Christian God – to just pick on one absurd anti-concept – and the contradictory nature is clear."

  • 'That which exists must have been created, but God, who exists, was never created.'
  • 'God is all-knowing and all-powerful, which are both impossible.'
  • 'God punishes a man for actions which are predetermined.'
  • 'God punishes rebellious angels, although their rebellion was completely predetermined.'
  • 'God claims to be morally perfect, although God fails the test of most of his 10 Commandments.'

Philosophy instructor and atheism author Peter Boghossian wrote the foreword to the Against the Gods. In it, he expressed his disappointment with modern academic philosophy's "limited expression, hampered inquiry, and an emphasis on issues that matter to almost nobody except the very, very few philosophers who study them". He praised Molyneux for going against this trend by providing arguments that are accessible and convincing to the masses.

Bibliography

Non-fiction

Fiction

Also

References

  1. ^ "The Wisdom of Socrates with Peter Boghossian and Stefan Molyneux" (video). The Peter Schiff Show. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  2. Molyneux, Stefan. Objectivism Part 2: Ethics (video) Retrieved April 28, 2014
  3. Molyneux, Stefan. Harry Browne, RIP (podcast) Retrieved June 13, 2014
  4. Kinsella, Stephan (March 12, 2012). "Jeff Tucker on Reddit's "Ask Me Anything"". The Libertarian Standard. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
  5. ^ "Author Stefan Molyneux To Russia, with love". The Mississauga News. Mississauga, Ontario. June 1, 2003. p. Arts & Entertainment: 15. ISSN 0834-6585. OCLC 290997481. Retrieved June 18, 2014 – via NewsBank (Access World News).
  6. Molyneux & 2008rtr, p. 234.
  7. ^ Burg, Robert (May 26, 1997). "Their software keeps tabs on site data". Toronto Star, The. Ontario, Canada. p. BUSINESS: D1. Retrieved June 18, 2014 – via NewsBank (Access World News).
  8. Johnson, Phil (February 23, 1988). "Horrors! Dracula's at Glendon College". Toronto Star, The. Ontario, Canada. p. NEIGHBORS: N17. Retrieved June 18, 2014 – via NewsBank (Access World News).
  9. da Costa, Cathy (February 8, 1988). "World Champions at Glendon" (PDF). Pro Tem. York University/Glendon College. p. 4. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  10. ^ Tu Thanh Ha (December 12, 2008). "How a cyberphilosopher convinced followers to cut off family". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  11. "Freedomain Radio > About". Retrieved May 14, 2014.
  12. "Blue292 acquires Caribou Systems" (Press release). Durham, NC: Blue292. January 28, 2002. Archived from the original on August 2, 2003. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  13. "Our Staff > Stefan Molyneux". Casey Research. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  14. "Hollywood Discovery Awards Finalists (Short Subject Film Finalists)". Hollywood Film Festival. 1998. Archived from the original on 1999-02-02. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
  15. "2007 People's Choice Podcast Awardees". Podcast Awards. Podcast Connect Inc. Archived from the original on September 8, 2007. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
  16. "2008 Podcast Awards Winners!". Podcast Awards. Podcast Connect Inc. Archived from the original on December 5, 2008. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
  17. Freedomain Radio > Free Books. Freedomain Radio. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  18. "Stefan Molyneux YouTube Channel Stats". VidStatsX.com. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
  19. Freedomain Radio > Podcasts. Freedomain Radio. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  20. ^ "International Conference on Men's Issues – Detroit – June 26-28 2014". www.avoiceformen.com/international-conference-on-mens-issues-detroit-june-26-28-2014/. A Voice for Men. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  21. Horsager, David (2012). The Trust Edge: How top leaders gain faster results, deeper relationships, and a stronger bottom line. New York: Free Press. pp. 25–26. ISBN 978-1-4767-1137-9. OCLC 820783989. Molyneux is the innovative host of Freedomain Radio, the largest philosophy podcast on the Internet. ... Being humble has made him one of the most trusted philosophers of our time
  22. Freedomain Radio > Donate. Freedomain Radio. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  23. ^ Whipple, Tom (January 10, 2009). "The mother and son torn apart by web 'cult' that destroys families". The Times. London, England. pp. 34, 35. Retrieved May 16, 2014. A teenage follower of a controversial internet philosopher tells Tom Whipple how he walked out on his family and why he now despises them
  24. "Audio & Video". Chomsky.info. Retrieved May 31, 2014. The Race War of Drug Prohibition (interview with Stefan Molyneux, of Freedomain Radio). YouTube. December 24, 2013.
  25. ^ Block, Walter E. (December 9, 2013). "Walter Block and Stephan [sic] Molyneux debate on spanking (using violence against) children". LewRockwell.com. Retrieved May 25, 2014.
  26. Joseph, Peter (September 26, 2013). "Post Debate Review - Peter Joseph & Stefan Molyneux" (Interview). Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  27. Molyneux, Stefan (February 24, 2010). "The Biology, Morality and Politics of Addiction - Dr Gabor Maté - The Freedomain Radio Interview" (Interview). Retrieved May 20, 2014.
  28. Molyneux, Stefan (December 8, 2009). ""The Philosophical Baby" - Dr Alison Gopnik Interviewed on Freedomain Radio" (Interview). Retrieved May 20, 2014.
  29. Molyneux, Stefan (May 24, 2013). "Free To Learn - Dr. Peter Gray Interviewed by Stefan Molyneux" (Interview). Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  30. Molyneux, Stefan (September 2, 2009). Anarchism Versus Minarchism - Stefan Molyneux & Jan Helfeld. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  31. "Jeffrey A. Miron discusses the war on drugs on Freedomain Radio w/ Stefan Basil Molyneux". Cato Institute. February 23, 2014. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
  32. ^ Kinsella, Stephan (July 3, 2010). "Libertarian Parenting–A Freedomain Radio Conversation". StephanKinsella.com. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  33. "When You Think a Lot About Liberty, Your Hair Falls Out". Robert P. Murphy. August 16, 2012. Retrieved May 29, 2014.
  34. "Director Joseph Sorge Interviewed by Stefan Molyneux". Divorce Corp. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  35. Tarbell, Ida (July 16, 2013). "The Truth About George Zimmerman". McClure's Magazine. Retrieved May 29, 2014.
  36. Rees, Mark. "Bitcoin's YouTube Missionaries". Bitcoin Magazine. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  37. Olson, Gary (2013). "The Empathetic Power of Images". Empathy Imperiled: Capitalism, Culture, and the Brain. 9. Springer New York: 92. doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-6117-3. ISBN 978-1-4614-6116-6. ISSN 2191-5466. LCCN 2012954057. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  38. Lane, Carol-Ann (June 2013). "Using Video Technology to Address Boys' Literacy Gap and Connect the Male Voice in Gender Dynamics" (PDF). International Journal of Technology and Inclusive Education. 2 (1). Infonomics Society: 146. ISSN 2046-4568. Retrieved May 26, 2014.
  39. Martin, Dayna. "Dayna Martin Hosts the Freedomain Radio Sunday Call In Show!". March 13, 2013 by dayna. http://daynamartin.com. Retrieved May 26, 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  40. Molyneux, Stefan (March 5–8, 2009). How to Win Political Arguments (video) (Speech). New Hampshire Liberty Forum. Retrieved May 1, 2014. Do you support the use of violence against me for disagreeing with you? Because that's really what statism is.
  41. Tobin, Christina. "Free & Equal to Co-Host NYC Liberty Fest event" (Press release). Free & Equal. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  42. ^ Welch, Matt; Oppenheimer, Tracy (October 6, 2012). "Free Domain [sic] Radio's Stefan Molyneux on the Inevitable Growth of the State". ReasonTV (Interview). Reason. Retrieved April 27, 2014.
  43. "Stefan Molyneux at PorcFestX". PorcFest. Retrieved 2013-09-26.
  44. "Speakers". Libertopia. 2010. Retrieved May 25, 2014.
  45. "Speakers". Libertopia. 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2014.
  46. "Speakers". Libertopia. 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2014.
  47. "Speakers". Libertopia. 2013. Retrieved May 25, 2014.
  48. Corrales, John (February 11, 2012). "LibertyFest West 2012 promotes rights of individuals". The Odessa American. Retrieved May 17, 2014. Stefan Molyneux, a philosopher, author and podcaster who runs www.freedomainradio.com, emceed the event
  49. "Government philosophy, Screw the Pundits, Free Speech, Revolutions, Love-a-lutions, Show Dedication". Adam vs. The Man. RT. Retrieved April 12, 2011. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  50. Keiser, Max. "On the Edge with Stefan Molyneux". The Keiser Report. RT. Retrieved 8 August 2011. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  51. Martin, Abby (February 19, 2013). "Bradley Manning, Keystone pipeline, and anarchism". Breaking the Set. RT. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
  52. Jones, Alex. "Monday 7-11-2011 – The Alex Jones Show with Stefan Molyneux". The Alex Jones Show. Retrieved 8 August 2011.
  53. "The Peter Schiff Show! Hosted by Stefan Molyneux of Freedomain Radio". Retrieved 22 July 2012.
  54. Kinsella, Stephan. "KOL106 Peter Schiff Show: Obamacare, Patent Reform". StephanKinsella.com. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  55. Corbett, James (March 7, 2012). "Interview 475 – Curing Statism with Stefan Molyneux". The Corbett Report (Podcast). Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  56. Molyneux, Stefan (May 15, 2012). "Corbett Report Radio 132 with Guest Host Stefan Molyneux". The Corbett Report (Podcast). Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  57. Rogan, Joe (September 23, 2013). "JRE #396 – Stefan Molyneux". Joe Rogan Experience (Podcast). Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  58. Rogan, Joe (January 6, 2014). "JRE #436 – Stefan Molyneux". Joe Rogan Experience (Podcast). Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  59. Kwok, Winston (February 7, 2014). "World Affairs Conference tackles big issues". UCC Newsfeed. Upper Canada College. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
  60. Hortex, Alice (April 14, 2014). "The Psychology of Money: Stefan Molyneux at Texas BTC Conference". Cointelegraph. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  61. Huber, Suzanne (Apr 16, 2014). "Toronto Hosts Canada's First Bitcoin Expo". Techvibes. Retrieved April 27, 2014.
  62. "Bitcoin Expo Announces Conference Highlights, Sponsors and Exhibitors for Toronto April 11-13 Conference" (Press release). Marketwired. March 28, 2014. Retrieved May 1, 2014.
  63. Sawers, Paul. "How cryptocurrencies can curb unsustainable growth in government power (interview with Stefan Molyneux)". The Next Web. Retrieved April 16, 2014. Meet Stefan Molyneux, the podcaster, broadcaster, philosopher and host of Freedomain Radio. Molyneux is one of the speakers at the TNW Europe Conference in Amsterdam next week, where he'll discuss the shifting sands of Western political power over the centuries, the rise of centralized banking, government-controlled currency, and the recent surge in cryptocurrencies.
  64. Molyneux, Stefan. The Cryptocurrency Revolution (Speech). The Next Web. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  65. Molyneux, Stefan (October 24, 2005). "The Stateless Society An Examination of Alternatives". LewRockwell.com. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
  66. Block, Walter E. (Dec 2011). "Toward a libertarian theory of charitable donations to criminals, governments". Economics, Management, and Financial Markets. 6 (4). Addleton Academic Publishers: 9–28. ISSN 1842-3191. OCLC 85794657. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  67. Awuku, Christopher (February 11, 2007). "DRO' Protection: An Example of How It Could Work". Strike The Root. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
  68. Molyneux & 2008pa.
  69. "A função do estado na sociedade - Debate entre Stefan Molyneux e Vladimir Safatle" (in Portuguese). Instituto Ludwig von Mises Brasil. 2012. Retrieved June 26, 2014. A Casa do Saber, o Instituto Ludwig von Mises Brasil e do Instituto de Formação de Líderes convidam para o debate entre os filósofos Stefan Molyneux e Vladimir Safatle {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  70. Subotić, Siniša (2014). Evaluacija inkluzivne obrazovne reforme u osnovnoj školi (PDF) (Ph.D.) (in Serbian-Latin). Dr Zorana Đinđića 2, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia: The Library of the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad. Retrieved May 26, 2014. {{cite thesis}}: Unknown parameter |publicationplace= ignored (|publication-place= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: location (link) CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  71. Molyneux & 2007upb.
  72. ^ Gordon, David (4 July 2012). "The Molyneux Problem". Ludwig von Mises Institute – The Mises Review. Retrieved March 29, 2013.
  73. Schneider, Irena (January 12, 2011). "Proving Libertarian Morality Webinar with Stefan Molyneux: Tune in Monday at 8PM!". Students for Liberty. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
  74. "Proving Libertarian Morality" with Stefan Molyneux (video). Students for Liberty. May 18, 2011. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
  75. Molyneux, Stefan (7 July 2012). "A Response to David Gordon's Review "The Molyneux Problem"". Freedomain Radio. Retrieved March 29, 2013.
  76. Gordon, David (11 July 2012). "Mr. Molyneux Responds". Ludwig von Mises Institute – Mises.org Daily. Retrieved March 29, 2013.
  77. Block, Walter E.; Smith, Ed; Reel, Jordan (February 2014). "The Natural Rights of Children". International Journal of Health Policy and Management. 2 (2). Kerman University of Medical Sciences: 85–89. doi:10.15171/ijhpm.2014.20. ISSN 2322-5939. PMID 24639983. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  78. Molyneux, Stefan (April 9, 2005). "Are People Just Stupid?". Freedomain Blog. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  79. Hilpern, Kate (15 November 2008). "You will never see me again". The Guardian. Retrieved January 7, 2009. an online community called Freedomain Radio (FDR), which invites discussion around philosophy, politics and personal freedom
  80. Powell, Robin (December 29, 2008). "Website Led Teen To Quit Family". SkyNews. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
  81. "Leamington mother blames internet for son's disappearance". Leamington Courier. 17 December 2008 (updated 19 December 2008). Retrieved June 2, 2014. a website called Freedomain Radio, hosted by Toronto-based philosopher Stefan Molyneux {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  82. Molyneux, Stefan (February 20, 2007). "Strong Atheism: The Case for Evacuating the Middle Ground". Strike The Root. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  83. "The Ethics of Atheism – A Conversation with Dr Peter Boghossian". Richard Dawkins Foundation. July 6, 2012. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
  84. Boghossian, Peter (2014). Escaping the Cave: Philosophy, Agnosticism, and the Academy (PDF). Freedomain Library. pp. 5–7. Retrieved May 27, 2014. Public intellectuals like Molyneux, unencumbered by rigid, culturally shifting rules and arbitrary intellectual boundaries of academic philosophy departments, are agents of real, profound change in a much larger, much more meaningful landscape. Against the Gods is an outsider's philosophy book, uncharacteristic in its forthright nature and bold in its lack of pretension. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)

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