Scott Alexander describes six fictional legal systems, each with unique and sometimes absurd approaches to justice and social order, exploring various legal and philosophical concepts in a creative and humorous manner. Longer summary

Scott Alexander presents six fictional legal systems in this creative writing piece. Each system is unique and explores different approaches to justice, punishment, and social order. The Clamzorians treat natural objects as legal entities, Pohjankaupunki uses mood-altering drugs as punishment, Sloviria punishes society for individual crimes, Nova-Nishistan's system is based on blackmail, Bogolia ensures equal legal representation, Sanzorre evolved into an insurance-dominated system, and Mirakoth relies on judges' subjective opinions without formal laws. The post humorously examines the potential consequences and quirks of each system, highlighting various philosophical and practical issues in legal theory and social organization. Shorter summary

Scott reviews 'The Machinery of Freedom' by David Friedman, discussing libertarian ideas and anarcho-capitalist proposals while expressing both interest and skepticism. Longer summary

Scott reviews David Friedman's book 'The Machinery of Freedom', which presents arguments for libertarianism and anarcho-capitalism. The book, originally from 1973, feels dated in some aspects but offers fascinating insights. Scott finds the libertarian arguments compelling but expresses skepticism about the proposed anarcho-capitalist system, listing potential issues and questioning why a system without coercion would solve all problems. He concludes that experimentation with different governance systems is needed rather than relying solely on theoretical predictions. Shorter summary