Robert Nozick (1938-2002) was an American philosopher, author, and scholar best known for his work related to liberty, epistemology, and natural law.

Nozick studied at Columbia University, Princeton, and Oxford where he developed his passion for political philosophy and ethics amongst other topics. He later held a professorship at Harvard University.

In 1974, Nozick published one of his most important works titled, Anarchy, State, and Utopia, winning a national award in the process. In his writings, Nozick challenges many of the modern political ideas of the time, instead arguing in favor of a “minimal state” where government intervention is removed except for its originally intended, essential roles. Otherwise, a state’s operations should be left up to its people, who act how they see fit as part of their human nature.

Nozick would go on to write multiple other books over the next quarter century that would further analyze and develop ideas related to utilitarianism, reason, ethics, and natural law doctrine. Some of his most known works include Philosophical Explanations (1981), Socratic Puzzles (1997), and Invariances (2001).

Nozick died in 2002 but his work, particularly his first published book, has continued to influence the ideals at the heart of libertarianism, presenting convincing arguments in favor of individual liberties and limited government. 

Sources:

Wiki entry

Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

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