Limits of Liberty -- Between Anarchy & Leviathan

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Originally published in 1975, this work significantly elevated James Buchanan's profile among political philosophers, positioning him alongside John Rawls and Robert Nozick as a key figure in contemporary contractarian thought. It is closely linked to Buchanan's earlier work, the Calculus of Consent, yet is considered logically prior, as noted by Hartmut Kliemt in the foreword. Kliemt explains that the text examines the status quo from a Paretian political perspective and explores potential processes for achieving interindividual agreements that transition from natural to political equilibrium. Buchanan articulates a central theme in his preface, emphasizing that societal norms cannot be dictated from above; rather, individuals must employ their intelligence to impose order amidst chaos. He argues that while anarchy may suit ideal individuals, those driven by passion must strive for reasonableness. The author reflects on the foundations of a society where individuals desire freedom yet acknowledge the limitations imposed by social interdependence. Buchanan, a Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences, is recognized as one of the foremost scholars of liberty in the twentieth century. The series encompasses multiple volumes, each addressing different aspects of constitutional liberty and public finance.