Libertarianism vs Utilitarianism
Libertarianism seeks to maximize personal and economic freedom, letting people live and use their property as they wish while respecting the equal rights of others.
- Each person owns their own body and labor.
- The use or threat of force against peaceful people is wrong, including when done by government.
- Free markets and voluntary exchange should replace most government programs.
Utilitarianism holds that laws and policies should be judged by their consequences, aiming at the greatest happiness or well-being of everyone affected.
- Laws and policies should be judged by their effects on human well-being.
- Each person's happiness counts equally, regardless of rank or status.
- Institutions that cannot show useful results should be reformed or abolished.
- Libertarianism: petals and stars
- Utilitarianism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Welfare115 points apart
Libertarianism: Self-reliant (strong). Utilitarianism: Shared (moderate).
- Foreign policy115 points apart
Libertarianism: Strength (strong). Utilitarianism: Cooperation (moderate).
- Structure110 points apart
Libertarianism: Local (strong). Utilitarianism: Central (mild).
- Security100 points apart
Libertarianism: Liberty (strong). Utilitarianism: Order (mild).
★ Where they are closest
- Technology · 5 apart
- Trade · 20 apart
- Culture · 25 apart
Axis by axis
Utilitarianism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipStrong: Private8%92%PublicPrivate
- MarketsStrong: Free5%95%PlannedFree
- WelfareStrong: Self-reliant10%90%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityStrong: Democratic93%7%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityStrong: Liberty95%5%LibertyOrder
- StructureStrong: Local90%10%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityMild: Progressive58%42%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionModerate: Secular70%30%SecularReligious
- TechnologyModerate: Embrace75%25%EmbraceCaution
- CultureMild: Multicultural55%45%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeStrong: Global90%10%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyStrong: Strength18%82%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Libertarianism or Utilitarianism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Libertarianism or Utilitarianism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Libertarianism vs Utilitarianism
What is the difference between Libertarianism and Utilitarianism?
Libertarianism seeks to maximize personal and economic freedom, letting people live and use their property as they wish while respecting the equal rights of others. Utilitarianism holds that laws and policies should be judged by their consequences, aiming at the greatest happiness or well-being of everyone affected. On the 12 axes they differ most on welfare, foreign policy, structure.
What do Libertarianism and Utilitarianism have in common?
Their positions are closest on technology, trade, culture. Overall their profiles are a 63% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Libertarianism or Utilitarianism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.