53 pages • 1 hour read
Milton FriedmanCapitalism And Freedom
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1962A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
How does the impersonal nature of the market protect individual freedom and guard against discrimination?
Give an example of a paternalistic justification for an economic policy and discuss why Friedman opposes paternalism in policymaking.
What are “neighborhood effects,” how do they hamper trade, and why is this barrier a problem, according to Friedman?
Why does Friedman think that the lowest levels of schooling do the most to promote a stable and democratic society? How does this belief shape his argument for school vouchers?
Name one example of a government-supported monopoly Friedman supports and one he opposes. Why does he support the former but not the latter?
Why would Friedman prefer that the government provide an impoverished family with cash rather than publicly-funded housing?
What does Friedman fear will happen if the U.S. does not adopt a system of freely-floating exchange rates? Why doesn’t he support the government’s approach, reciprocal negotiation of tariff reductions with other countries?
Friedman argues that doctors should not be required to hold medical licenses. Some of his critics say that licensure is needed to ensure that patients receive safe, reliable, and high-quality medical care. How does Friedman address this objection?
Why does Friedman think fiscal stimulus by the government does not produce the desired results?
In what ways does a liberal’s understanding of equality differ from that of an egalitarian? How do these distinctions lead to divergent positions on how a society should address issues such as income disparities and poverty?
