Liberalism as a Foundational System: A Critical Analysis through a Counterfactual Thought Experiment

This article develops a counterfactual thought experiment examining the possible consequences of adopting classical liberalism as the foundational system of human civilization from its earliest settlements. Through a systematic analysis of four hypothetical evolutionary phases, the internal contradictions and structural limitations that would emerge in such a scenario are explored. The study is based on liberal principles of non-interventionism (NAP), private property as a natural right, and free markets without state coercion. The research reveals that, paradoxically, a pure liberal system would require prior non-liberal conditions for its effective functioning, including a normative infrastructure, a shared moral consensus, and a legitimate judicial system. It is concluded that liberalism, far from being a self-sufficient and universally applicable system, constitutes a contingent historical construction whose viability depends on specific social, cultural, and political conditions. This analysis contributes to the contemporary debate on the philosophical foundations of liberalism and its limitations as a comprehensive political theory.