West Virginia University Professor Highlights Societal Gains from Free Markets and Free Speech

Christopher Freiman, a Professor of General Business at West Virginia University, recently took to social media to articulate his perspective on free markets and free speech, characterizing them as profoundly beneficial political constructs. In a tweet, Freiman directly addressed criticisms often leveled against free markets, asserting that their constructed nature does not diminish their positive societal impact. His statement underscores an ongoing philosophical debate regarding the foundational elements and practical advantages of liberal societies.

Freiman, who previously served as an Associate Professor of Philosophy at William & Mary, is a prominent voice in discussions exploring democratic theory, distributive justice, and the role of markets in society. He is the author of several influential books, including "Unequivocal Justice" and "Why It’s OK to Ignore Politics," works that consistently delve into the philosophical underpinnings of economic and political systems. His academic background and extensive publications position him as a key contributor to contemporary thought on the ethical and practical dimensions of societal structures.

"I suppose this is meant to be a criticism of free markets, but it’s not a persuasive one—we could also say that there is no such thing as free speech because it’s a political construct. Maybe, but it’s a very beneficial political construct, and so is a free market," Freiman stated in his tweet. This argument posits that the artificiality or human-made nature of these concepts does not negate their inherent value. Instead, Freiman emphasizes the tangible benefits they produce. His stance aligns with his broader defense of market-driven outcomes, as seen in his co-authored essay "Wealth Without Limits: in Defense of Billionaires," where he argues that wealth creation, particularly by entrepreneurs, often benefits society by providing innovative goods and services and creating employment opportunities.

His philosophical framework consistently emphasizes the positive outcomes of voluntary exchange and limited government intervention. For instance, in a recent article on credit card interest rates, Freiman argued against the imposition of price controls, suggesting that such interventions can inadvertently harm the very individuals they intend to protect by reducing available credit options and stifling economic activity. This perspective reinforces his view that free market mechanisms, despite being "constructs," lead to more efficient and beneficial societal arrangements compared to heavily regulated alternatives, fostering innovation and consumer choice.

Freiman's tweet serves as a concise summary of a core tenet within libertarian and classical liberal thought: that certain societal frameworks, though not naturally occurring or "natural rights" in the strictest sense, are nonetheless invaluable for human flourishing. By drawing a direct parallel between the widely accepted value of free speech and the often-criticized concept of free markets, he highlights their shared characteristic as deliberately designed systems that, when allowed to operate freely, contribute significantly to individual liberty, economic prosperity, and overall societal progress. This ongoing discourse by academics like Freiman continues to shape policy debates and public understanding of economic and political freedoms.