KOL442 | Together Strong Debate vs. Walter Block on Voluntary Slavery (Matthew Sands of Nations of Sanity)

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Kinsella on Liberty Podcast, Episode 442. This is a debate between me and Walter Block about voluntary slavery contracts, hosted by Matthew Sands of the Nations of Sanity project as part of his "Together Strong" debate series. (See previous episode KOL426) Grok shownotes: [0:00–30:00] In this episode of the Kinsella on Liberty podcast (KOL442), Stephan Kinsella debates Walter Block in the “Together Strong” series, hosted by Matthew Sands of Nations of Sanity, focusing on the contentious issue of voluntary slavery contracts. Kinsella argues against their enforceability, asserting that self-ownership is inalienable due to the direct connection between an individual and their body, making such contracts invalid as they cannot transfer control over one’s will. He emphasizes that contracts transfer titles to external property, not obligations over one’s body, and that consent can be revoked, rendering slavery agreements unenforceable. Block defends voluntary slavery, arguing that if individuals can sell their labor or body parts, they should be able to contractually commit to servitude, viewing such agreements as extensions of libertarian freedom to contract. [30:01–1:12:22] The debate intensifies as Block posits that refusing to enforce voluntary slavery contracts undermines libertarian consistency, equating it to denying other contractual obligations. Kinsella counters that Block’s view conflates economic and legal exchanges, ignoring the unique nature of body ownership, which cannot be alienated like external goods due to its non-acquired status. Sands probes both sides, exploring practical implications and edge cases, such as debt repayment or organ sales. Kinsella clarifies that responsive force against aggressors (e.g., imprisoning criminals) is justified, but voluntary slavery lacks such justification, as mere promises do not bind the will. The episode concludes with Sands summarizing the philosophical divide, with Kinsella reinforcing inalienability and Block advocating contractual liberty, leaving listeners to ponder the limits of consent in a free society. Unedited transcript (from Youtube) below. https://youtu.be/x6ecMmBpGs8?si=veUW9EnXhwujEAo1 Grok detailed shownotes: Detailed Summary for Show Notes with Time Segments Segment 1: Introduction and Opening Arguments (0:00–15:00) Description: Matthew Sands introduces the “Together Strong” debate, pitting Stephan Kinsella against Walter Block on the enforceability of voluntary slavery contracts. Kinsella opens by arguing that self-ownership is inalienable, rooted in the direct, non-acquired connection to one’s body, making slavery contracts invalid as they cannot transfer control over one’s will. He draws on his title-transfer theory of contract, asserting that contracts only transfer titles to external property, not obligations over one’s body. Block counters that individuals should be free to contract into servitude, likening it to selling labor or body parts, and argues that denying this undermines libertarian freedom. Summary: Sands sets up the debate, outlining the voluntary slavery controversy (0:00–2:45). Kinsella argues self-ownership is inalienable, as body control cannot be contractually transferred (2:46–6:30). Introduces title-transfer theory, stating contracts shift property titles, not body obligations (6:31–9:15). Block defends voluntary slavery, comparing it to labor contracts and asserting contractual liberty (9:16–12:00). Sands asks about consent’s limits, prompting initial clarifications from both (12:01–15:00). Segment 2: Philosophical Foundations and Contract Theory (15:01–30:00) Description: Kinsella elaborates that body ownership differs from external property, as the latter is acquired through homesteading or contract, while the body is inherently owned. He argues that consent can be revoked, invalidating slavery contracts, as promises do not bind the will.

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