Liberty Fund

Liberty Fund. Founded in 1960 by the Indiana businessman and lawyer Pierre F. Goodrich, it is a private educational foundation dedicated to the study and advancement of the ideals of a free and responsible society. The organization is non-political and non-partisan, focusing its efforts on fostering scholarly discussion and the dissemination of foundational texts related to individual liberty, limited government, and free markets. Its work is centered on the belief that deep engagement with the great ideas of liberty is essential for the preservation of a free society.

History

The establishment of Goodrich's foundation was inspired by his deep study of classical liberalism and his association with thinkers like F. A. Hayek and Ludwig von Mises. Initially, its activities were closely tied to supporting the educational programs at Wabash College and later the law and economics center at the University of Miami. A significant early project was the publication of a notable edition of Adam Smith's works in partnership with the University of Chicago Press. Over the decades, it expanded its mission from primarily grant-making to directly sponsoring a wide array of conferences, seminars, and its own publishing imprint, becoming a central institution in the network of classical liberal thought.

Publications and programs

Its publishing division produces the **Library of Liberty** series, which includes scholarly editions of works by figures such as David Hume, John Locke, Frédéric Bastiat, and Alexis de Tocqueville. A flagship publication is the collected works of Adam Smith, undertaken with the University of Chicago Press. The foundation organizes hundreds of intimate, discussion-based conferences and seminars annually, often held at venues like the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver or historic locations in Williamsburg and Charleston. These events bring together academics, judges, and professionals to discuss texts from thinkers ranging from Cicero and Aristotle to James Madison and Friedrich Hayek.

Ideological orientation

The intellectual foundation is firmly rooted in the tradition of the Scottish Enlightenment, Austrian School economics, and American constitutional thought. It emphasizes the principles of individual rights, spontaneous order, and the rule of law as explored by philosophers like John Stuart Mill and economists such as Ludwig von Mises. While often associated with libertarian thought, the organization's programming deliberately includes a wide spectrum of perspectives, from Thomas Hobbes to Karl Marx, to encourage rigorous, Socratic dialogue about the foundations of a free society, rather than promoting a specific policy agenda.

Influence and reception

It has exerted considerable influence in academic and judicial circles, particularly through its seminars for law professors and federal judges, which have been attended by figures like Clarence Thomas and Alex Kozinski. Its publications are standard resources in university courses on political philosophy, law, and economics at institutions like George Mason University and the University of Virginia. Critics, sometimes writing in publications like *The New Republic*, have accused it of promoting a conservative ideological agenda under a non-partisan guise, though supporters argue its commitment to open inquiry distinguishes it from more overtly activist think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation or the Cato Institute.

Leadership and organization

The organization is governed by a board of directors that has included notable scholars like Ronald Coase and James M. Buchanan. Its long-time president was John B. Taylor, and prominent academics such as Tyler Cowen of George Mason University have served as advisors. Headquartered in Indianapolis, it operates with a relatively small staff, focusing its resources on its educational programs and publications. The foundation's endowment, derived from Goodrich's fortune in industries like banking and insurance, allows it to run its extensive seminar programs and offer its books at near-cost prices.

Category:Classical liberal organizations Category:Think tanks based in the United States Category:Book publishing companies based in Indiana Category:Organizations established in 1960