James Halteman and Edd Noell
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199763702
- eISBN:
- 9780199932252
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199763702.003.0006
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Financial Economics
Heterodox economics presents alternative critical explanations for the driving forces behind capitalism. The chapter examines the distinctive moral reflections expressed by Karl Marx, Thorstein ...
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Heterodox economics presents alternative critical explanations for the driving forces behind capitalism. The chapter examines the distinctive moral reflections expressed by Karl Marx, Thorstein Veblen, and Friedrich Hayek. Marx’s historical materialism relies on dialectical reasoning to explain class struggle and economic change. His valuation of human autonomy, as ultimately manifested in communism, drives his moral critique of capitalism. Veblen’s understanding of the complex instincts underlying economic activity lays a path for more extensive incorporation of moral reflections in economics. Yet his evolutionary economics posits no final purpose in human economic activity. Hayek challenges the perfect information assumption of neoclassical economics, finding that competitive markets continually generate new information that creates disequilibrium. His reflections on the origins of moral codes and critique of collectivist planning affirm the superiority of the norm of liberty. The chapter concludes with the vignette “Karl Marx: Can a Materialist Produce a Moral Critique of Capitalism?”Less
Heterodox economics presents alternative critical explanations for the driving forces behind capitalism. The chapter examines the distinctive moral reflections expressed by Karl Marx, Thorstein Veblen, and Friedrich Hayek. Marx’s historical materialism relies on dialectical reasoning to explain class struggle and economic change. His valuation of human autonomy, as ultimately manifested in communism, drives his moral critique of capitalism. Veblen’s understanding of the complex instincts underlying economic activity lays a path for more extensive incorporation of moral reflections in economics. Yet his evolutionary economics posits no final purpose in human economic activity. Hayek challenges the perfect information assumption of neoclassical economics, finding that competitive markets continually generate new information that creates disequilibrium. His reflections on the origins of moral codes and critique of collectivist planning affirm the superiority of the norm of liberty. The chapter concludes with the vignette “Karl Marx: Can a Materialist Produce a Moral Critique of Capitalism?”
Roland Kley
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198279167
- eISBN:
- 9780191684289
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198279167.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This book examines the work of one of the most controversial figures in recent social and political thought. Revered by some as the most important 20th century theorist of the free society, Friedrich ...
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This book examines the work of one of the most controversial figures in recent social and political thought. Revered by some as the most important 20th century theorist of the free society, Friedrich A. Hayek has been reviled by others as a mere reactionary. The book offers a clear exposition and balanced assessment that judges Hayek's theory on its own merits. This book argues that the key to understanding Hayek lies in an appreciation of the proper link between descriptive social science and normative political theory. It probes the idea of a spontaneous order and other notions central to Hayek's thought and concludes that they are unable to provide the ‘scientific’ foundation Hayek seeks for his liberalism. By drawing out the distinctive character of Hayek's thought, the book presents a picture of this important social and political theorist.Less
This book examines the work of one of the most controversial figures in recent social and political thought. Revered by some as the most important 20th century theorist of the free society, Friedrich A. Hayek has been reviled by others as a mere reactionary. The book offers a clear exposition and balanced assessment that judges Hayek's theory on its own merits. This book argues that the key to understanding Hayek lies in an appreciation of the proper link between descriptive social science and normative political theory. It probes the idea of a spontaneous order and other notions central to Hayek's thought and concludes that they are unable to provide the ‘scientific’ foundation Hayek seeks for his liberalism. By drawing out the distinctive character of Hayek's thought, the book presents a picture of this important social and political theorist.
Roland Kley
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198279167
- eISBN:
- 9780191684289
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198279167.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
For Friedrich A. Hayek, the idea of a spontaneous order is not only liberalism's ‘central concept’ and therefore vital to its defence but, at the same time, also the notion on which all social theory ...
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For Friedrich A. Hayek, the idea of a spontaneous order is not only liberalism's ‘central concept’ and therefore vital to its defence but, at the same time, also the notion on which all social theory converges. Hayek argues that the whole task of social theory consists in little else but an effort to reconstruct the various spontaneous orders existing in the social world. However, the idea of a spontaneous order does not receive a sufficiently systematic treatment in Hayek's writings. This shows in the secondary literature, where the views about its substance, its scope, and its significance as an analytical concept differ widely. According to Hayek, all associations, institutions, and other social formations can be classified either as spontaneous orders or as organisations. For Hayek, order in social life is identical with the pattern of interactions arising from a market in operation. This chapter examines what Hayek really intends spontaneous order to mean and discusses his theory of complex phenomena.Less
For Friedrich A. Hayek, the idea of a spontaneous order is not only liberalism's ‘central concept’ and therefore vital to its defence but, at the same time, also the notion on which all social theory converges. Hayek argues that the whole task of social theory consists in little else but an effort to reconstruct the various spontaneous orders existing in the social world. However, the idea of a spontaneous order does not receive a sufficiently systematic treatment in Hayek's writings. This shows in the secondary literature, where the views about its substance, its scope, and its significance as an analytical concept differ widely. According to Hayek, all associations, institutions, and other social formations can be classified either as spontaneous orders or as organisations. For Hayek, order in social life is identical with the pattern of interactions arising from a market in operation. This chapter examines what Hayek really intends spontaneous order to mean and discusses his theory of complex phenomena.
Roland Kley
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198279167
- eISBN:
- 9780191684289
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198279167.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Friedrich A. Hayek defines social theory as the systematic study of spontaneous orders, maintaining that an individual may often be a member not only of the comprehensive spontaneous order of society ...
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Friedrich A. Hayek defines social theory as the systematic study of spontaneous orders, maintaining that an individual may often be a member not only of the comprehensive spontaneous order of society but also ‘of numerous other spontaneous sub-orders’. This chapter explores what further applications the idea of a spontaneous order may have in the social world. It considers the distinction between order as a network of interactions among numerous parties and order as an established system of rules or norms. It also offers various semantic and other reflections exploring the concepts of social order and spontaneity to be found at the root of the idea of a spontaneous social order. Five claims are discussed that represent the substance of the notion of a spontaneous economic order, and how far they may be applicable to a wider range of phenomena loosely qualifying as spontaneous social orders.Less
Friedrich A. Hayek defines social theory as the systematic study of spontaneous orders, maintaining that an individual may often be a member not only of the comprehensive spontaneous order of society but also ‘of numerous other spontaneous sub-orders’. This chapter explores what further applications the idea of a spontaneous order may have in the social world. It considers the distinction between order as a network of interactions among numerous parties and order as an established system of rules or norms. It also offers various semantic and other reflections exploring the concepts of social order and spontaneity to be found at the root of the idea of a spontaneous social order. Five claims are discussed that represent the substance of the notion of a spontaneous economic order, and how far they may be applicable to a wider range of phenomena loosely qualifying as spontaneous social orders.
Chandran Kukathas
- Published in print:
- 1989
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198273264
- eISBN:
- 9780191684029
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198273264.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter focuses on Hayek's social theory of individualism. It identifies the distinct elements of Hayek's individualism and evaluates the strength of his social theory. Just as Hume's philosophy ...
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This chapter focuses on Hayek's social theory of individualism. It identifies the distinct elements of Hayek's individualism and evaluates the strength of his social theory. Just as Hume's philosophy sought only to caution against rationalist inspired justifications of existing authority or of revolutionary reform, this theory is able to suggest the limits to which any social order can be moulded or controlled by individuals or governments, whether well or ill-mentioned. Despite the problems Hayek encounters in trying to establish a set of normative liberal principles, his social theory offers an important challenge to the critics of liberal individualism. This chapter also elucidates the theory of spontaneous order and explains how it informs Hayek's critique of social justice.Less
This chapter focuses on Hayek's social theory of individualism. It identifies the distinct elements of Hayek's individualism and evaluates the strength of his social theory. Just as Hume's philosophy sought only to caution against rationalist inspired justifications of existing authority or of revolutionary reform, this theory is able to suggest the limits to which any social order can be moulded or controlled by individuals or governments, whether well or ill-mentioned. Despite the problems Hayek encounters in trying to establish a set of normative liberal principles, his social theory offers an important challenge to the critics of liberal individualism. This chapter also elucidates the theory of spontaneous order and explains how it informs Hayek's critique of social justice.
Roland Kley
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198279167
- eISBN:
- 9780191684289
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198279167.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Friedrich A. Hayek argues that order in the market is the result of individuals observing certain rules and adjusting to their specific situation. The significance he accords to rules can hardly be ...
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Friedrich A. Hayek argues that order in the market is the result of individuals observing certain rules and adjusting to their specific situation. The significance he accords to rules can hardly be overrated. Often, he does not mention individual adjustment at all, implying that the observance of rules suffices to bring about economic order. This chapter discusses the role and nature of such rules, including the so-called rules of just conduct that lead to spontaneous economic order. The second section expounds a contrast Hayek draws between rule-guided conduct and purposive action and explores his view of market rules as a device for coping with the unknowable consequences of individual economic action. The third section asks how the idea of a spontaneous economic order accommodates the state. Hayek's discussion of economic order being the result of rule-following (and adjustment) portrays markets as entirely self-sufficient and self-regulating systems.Less
Friedrich A. Hayek argues that order in the market is the result of individuals observing certain rules and adjusting to their specific situation. The significance he accords to rules can hardly be overrated. Often, he does not mention individual adjustment at all, implying that the observance of rules suffices to bring about economic order. This chapter discusses the role and nature of such rules, including the so-called rules of just conduct that lead to spontaneous economic order. The second section expounds a contrast Hayek draws between rule-guided conduct and purposive action and explores his view of market rules as a device for coping with the unknowable consequences of individual economic action. The third section asks how the idea of a spontaneous economic order accommodates the state. Hayek's discussion of economic order being the result of rule-following (and adjustment) portrays markets as entirely self-sufficient and self-regulating systems.
Lawrence B. Solum
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199561131
- eISBN:
- 9780191721199
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199561131.003.0003
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Information Technology, Political Economy
This chapter presents a typology of various models of governance forms that impinge, or are assumed to impinge, on the Internet. Five such models are analysed. One model is based on a view of the ...
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This chapter presents a typology of various models of governance forms that impinge, or are assumed to impinge, on the Internet. Five such models are analysed. One model is based on a view of the Internet as a self-governing realm of individual liberty beyond the reach of government control. Another model takes as its point of departure the inherently cross-border nature of the Internet and sees transnational, quasi-private cooperatives or international organizations based on treaty arrangements as the most relevant institutions for Internet governance. A third model is based on the notion that many regulatory decisions are made by the code and architecture of the Internet. A fourth model is premised on the idea that as the Internet grows in importance fundamental regulatory decisions will be made by national governments through legal regulation. Finally, there is the model of market regulation and economics which assumes that market forces drive the fundamental decisions about the nature of the Internet. The chapter argues that no single one of these models captures all of the facets of Internet governance or offers the solution to all of the problems raised by Internet governance. It concludes with a discussion of the issue of network neutrality and attempts thereby to cast light on the future utility of the models concerned.Less
This chapter presents a typology of various models of governance forms that impinge, or are assumed to impinge, on the Internet. Five such models are analysed. One model is based on a view of the Internet as a self-governing realm of individual liberty beyond the reach of government control. Another model takes as its point of departure the inherently cross-border nature of the Internet and sees transnational, quasi-private cooperatives or international organizations based on treaty arrangements as the most relevant institutions for Internet governance. A third model is based on the notion that many regulatory decisions are made by the code and architecture of the Internet. A fourth model is premised on the idea that as the Internet grows in importance fundamental regulatory decisions will be made by national governments through legal regulation. Finally, there is the model of market regulation and economics which assumes that market forces drive the fundamental decisions about the nature of the Internet. The chapter argues that no single one of these models captures all of the facets of Internet governance or offers the solution to all of the problems raised by Internet governance. It concludes with a discussion of the issue of network neutrality and attempts thereby to cast light on the future utility of the models concerned.
Roland Kley
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198279167
- eISBN:
- 9780191684289
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198279167.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter considers Friedrich A. Hayek's claim about the inherently beneficial character of spontaneous economic order. Hayek does not confine himself to an explanatory perspective, merely giving ...
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This chapter considers Friedrich A. Hayek's claim about the inherently beneficial character of spontaneous economic order. Hayek does not confine himself to an explanatory perspective, merely giving an account of how in the market society individual adjustment and rule-following bring about and sustain economic order. He also regards such order as uniquely advantageous. Hayek appears to offer two arguments intended to lend force to this claim. The first, more hinted at than spelled out, is the argument from the mutually advantageous nature of uncoerced exchange, while the second pertains to the argument from the market's efficiency. Hayek's argument is that the spontaneous order of the market society, consisting in innumerable voluntary exchange relations, is beneficial for everyone participating in it because it embodies in generalised form the principle that uncoerced exchange is mutually advantageous.Less
This chapter considers Friedrich A. Hayek's claim about the inherently beneficial character of spontaneous economic order. Hayek does not confine himself to an explanatory perspective, merely giving an account of how in the market society individual adjustment and rule-following bring about and sustain economic order. He also regards such order as uniquely advantageous. Hayek appears to offer two arguments intended to lend force to this claim. The first, more hinted at than spelled out, is the argument from the mutually advantageous nature of uncoerced exchange, while the second pertains to the argument from the market's efficiency. Hayek's argument is that the spontaneous order of the market society, consisting in innumerable voluntary exchange relations, is beneficial for everyone participating in it because it embodies in generalised form the principle that uncoerced exchange is mutually advantageous.
Roland Kley
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198279167
- eISBN:
- 9780191684289
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198279167.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
According to Friedrich A. Hayek, the web of exchange relations forming in the market is the outcome of a two-part mechanism. Spontaneous economic order develops when the members observe certain rules ...
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According to Friedrich A. Hayek, the web of exchange relations forming in the market is the outcome of a two-part mechanism. Spontaneous economic order develops when the members observe certain rules and adjust to their local situation. Whenever Hayek talks about the mechanism conducive to spontaneous order, he gives individual adjustment much less prominence than rule-following, the other element of that mechanism. The idea that spontaneous economic order is, partly, the result of the members adapting to the specific circumstances of their individual situation is the by-product of, and is usually only mentioned in connection with, a claim to which Hayek consistently attaches much greater significance. This chapter explores the sense in which individual adjustment may be said to contribute to the emergence of a spontaneous economic order. Hayek's views on the epistemic role of the market are also discussed.Less
According to Friedrich A. Hayek, the web of exchange relations forming in the market is the outcome of a two-part mechanism. Spontaneous economic order develops when the members observe certain rules and adjust to their local situation. Whenever Hayek talks about the mechanism conducive to spontaneous order, he gives individual adjustment much less prominence than rule-following, the other element of that mechanism. The idea that spontaneous economic order is, partly, the result of the members adapting to the specific circumstances of their individual situation is the by-product of, and is usually only mentioned in connection with, a claim to which Hayek consistently attaches much greater significance. This chapter explores the sense in which individual adjustment may be said to contribute to the emergence of a spontaneous economic order. Hayek's views on the epistemic role of the market are also discussed.
John Tomasi
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691144467
- eISBN:
- 9781400842391
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691144467.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This chapter examines what it calls “social justicitis”—a strongly negative, even allergic, reaction to the ideal of social or distributive justice. Social justicitis is a malady from which many ...
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This chapter examines what it calls “social justicitis”—a strongly negative, even allergic, reaction to the ideal of social or distributive justice. Social justicitis is a malady from which many defenders of private economic liberty suffer. For libertarians, arguments on behalf of social justice may be as threatening as a bee sting is to some people. In the case of classical liberals, social justicitis arises as an adverse reaction to talk about social justice at the level of public policy. The chapter first considers the notion of distributional adequacy condition from the perspective of classical liberalism and libertarianism before discussing the arguments of classical liberals and libertarians regarding property and the poor. It also explores F. A. Hayek's critique of social justice and the implications of his theory of spontaneous order with respect to distributional ideals.Less
This chapter examines what it calls “social justicitis”—a strongly negative, even allergic, reaction to the ideal of social or distributive justice. Social justicitis is a malady from which many defenders of private economic liberty suffer. For libertarians, arguments on behalf of social justice may be as threatening as a bee sting is to some people. In the case of classical liberals, social justicitis arises as an adverse reaction to talk about social justice at the level of public policy. The chapter first considers the notion of distributional adequacy condition from the perspective of classical liberalism and libertarianism before discussing the arguments of classical liberals and libertarians regarding property and the poor. It also explores F. A. Hayek's critique of social justice and the implications of his theory of spontaneous order with respect to distributional ideals.
Roland Kley
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198279167
- eISBN:
- 9780191684289
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198279167.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This book examines the liberal political philosophy and social theory of Friedrich A. Hayek (1899–1991). According to Hayek, liberalism derives from the discovery of a self-generating or spontaneous ...
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This book examines the liberal political philosophy and social theory of Friedrich A. Hayek (1899–1991). According to Hayek, liberalism derives from the discovery of a self-generating or spontaneous order in social affairs, an order which makes it possible to utilise the knowledge and skill of all members of society to a much greater extent than would be possible in any order created by central direction. Hayek argues that there are basically only two rival political doctrines, liberalism and socialism. Hayek concedes that in one respect the ends of liberalism and socialism do diverge: only socialism, but not liberalism, aims at an ideal of distributive justice. Hayek's instrumental approach is unique in contemporary liberal political philosophy. Reading Hayek in an instrumentalist light brings into focus, above all, his social theory.Less
This book examines the liberal political philosophy and social theory of Friedrich A. Hayek (1899–1991). According to Hayek, liberalism derives from the discovery of a self-generating or spontaneous order in social affairs, an order which makes it possible to utilise the knowledge and skill of all members of society to a much greater extent than would be possible in any order created by central direction. Hayek argues that there are basically only two rival political doctrines, liberalism and socialism. Hayek concedes that in one respect the ends of liberalism and socialism do diverge: only socialism, but not liberalism, aims at an ideal of distributive justice. Hayek's instrumental approach is unique in contemporary liberal political philosophy. Reading Hayek in an instrumentalist light brings into focus, above all, his social theory.
Garrett Barden and Tim Murphy
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199592685
- eISBN:
- 9780191595653
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199592685.003.0002
- Subject:
- Law, Philosophy of Law
How did it come about that humans live together in a community? This chapter argues — in contrast to ‘social contract’ approaches — that human society is a spontaneous ordering of the natural ...
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How did it come about that humans live together in a community? This chapter argues — in contrast to ‘social contract’ approaches — that human society is a spontaneous ordering of the natural sociability of humans. Civil society is a spontaneous order that gives rise to a spontaneous jural order made up of the ‘living law’ or communal moral law, which state or positive law expresses in part and develops. It emphasizes the similarity between the practice of language and the social and jural domains, and argues that the function of all law is to sustain a peaceful social order. The discussions in the chapter are drawn together with reference to Thomas Hobbes's De Cive (1642) and Leviathan (1651).Less
How did it come about that humans live together in a community? This chapter argues — in contrast to ‘social contract’ approaches — that human society is a spontaneous ordering of the natural sociability of humans. Civil society is a spontaneous order that gives rise to a spontaneous jural order made up of the ‘living law’ or communal moral law, which state or positive law expresses in part and develops. It emphasizes the similarity between the practice of language and the social and jural domains, and argues that the function of all law is to sustain a peaceful social order. The discussions in the chapter are drawn together with reference to Thomas Hobbes's De Cive (1642) and Leviathan (1651).
Roland Kley
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198279167
- eISBN:
- 9780191684289
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198279167.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter examines Friedrich A. Hayek's thesis that some of the rules of just conduct, which form the institutional basis of spontaneous economic order, are followed unconsciously. Hayek thinks ...
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This chapter examines Friedrich A. Hayek's thesis that some of the rules of just conduct, which form the institutional basis of spontaneous economic order, are followed unconsciously. Hayek thinks that wide areas of human activity are guided by behavioural rules. He says individuals are able to orient themselves in the world, exercise skills, and interact with others they observe rules. Yet it would in his view be a misunderstanding to believe that thought, perception, skills, and social interaction are all the result of the deliberate application of known rules. Human conduct, he claims, is also based on unconscious, or tacit, rule-following. Hayek defines tacit rule-following as conduct guided by rules which the acting person need not explicitly know, be able to specify, describe discursively, or verbalise. The claim, then, appears to be that often people are not aware of, and are not in a position expressly to state, the rules which actually direct their behaviour.Less
This chapter examines Friedrich A. Hayek's thesis that some of the rules of just conduct, which form the institutional basis of spontaneous economic order, are followed unconsciously. Hayek thinks that wide areas of human activity are guided by behavioural rules. He says individuals are able to orient themselves in the world, exercise skills, and interact with others they observe rules. Yet it would in his view be a misunderstanding to believe that thought, perception, skills, and social interaction are all the result of the deliberate application of known rules. Human conduct, he claims, is also based on unconscious, or tacit, rule-following. Hayek defines tacit rule-following as conduct guided by rules which the acting person need not explicitly know, be able to specify, describe discursively, or verbalise. The claim, then, appears to be that often people are not aware of, and are not in a position expressly to state, the rules which actually direct their behaviour.
Roland Kley
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198279167
- eISBN:
- 9780191684289
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198279167.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This book argues that Friedrich A. Hayek fails in his instrumental approach to the justification of the institutions of liberal market society, and in his defence of its system of rules on grounds of ...
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This book argues that Friedrich A. Hayek fails in his instrumental approach to the justification of the institutions of liberal market society, and in his defence of its system of rules on grounds of their conduciveness to human survival, general prosperity, and social peace. That instrumental considerations form an indispensable part of the defence of liberalism and liberty is not to be disputed. The question is whether an instrumental approach alone could ever suffice to establish the legitimacy of a liberal market regime. An instrumental justification as it is pursued by Hayek rests on at least four crucial assumptions. Firstly, it presupposes that the social and political ends are given and, secondly, that they are uncontested. Thirdly, it postulates that the means—the various institutional systems available—are morally neutral and, fourthly, that they represent a class of distinct and specific options. Each of these assumptions is problematic in its own way.Less
This book argues that Friedrich A. Hayek fails in his instrumental approach to the justification of the institutions of liberal market society, and in his defence of its system of rules on grounds of their conduciveness to human survival, general prosperity, and social peace. That instrumental considerations form an indispensable part of the defence of liberalism and liberty is not to be disputed. The question is whether an instrumental approach alone could ever suffice to establish the legitimacy of a liberal market regime. An instrumental justification as it is pursued by Hayek rests on at least four crucial assumptions. Firstly, it presupposes that the social and political ends are given and, secondly, that they are uncontested. Thirdly, it postulates that the means—the various institutional systems available—are morally neutral and, fourthly, that they represent a class of distinct and specific options. Each of these assumptions is problematic in its own way.
Paul A. Cantor
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780813140827
- eISBN:
- 9780813141299
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9780813140827.003.0001
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Media Studies
The introduction lays the methodological foundation for the book by showing why it is possible to take films and television shows seriously as works of art. It counters the common argument that the ...
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The introduction lays the methodological foundation for the book by showing why it is possible to take films and television shows seriously as works of art. It counters the common argument that the conditions of production in popular culture prevent genuine artistic achievement in film and television. It demonstrates that elite culture is often characterized by just the kind of multiple authorship and haphazard creative procedures that are said to preclude artistic quality in film and television. The introduction offers a feedback model of artistic creation, in which works improve over time as a variety of hands contribute to shaping them and audience reaction helps guide film and television producers. The introduction develops the idea of spontaneous order, as formulated by Friedrich Hayek—another name for Adam Smith's invisible hand.Less
The introduction lays the methodological foundation for the book by showing why it is possible to take films and television shows seriously as works of art. It counters the common argument that the conditions of production in popular culture prevent genuine artistic achievement in film and television. It demonstrates that elite culture is often characterized by just the kind of multiple authorship and haphazard creative procedures that are said to preclude artistic quality in film and television. The introduction offers a feedback model of artistic creation, in which works improve over time as a variety of hands contribute to shaping them and audience reaction helps guide film and television producers. The introduction develops the idea of spontaneous order, as formulated by Friedrich Hayek—another name for Adam Smith's invisible hand.
Garrett Barden and Tim Murphy
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199592685
- eISBN:
- 9780191595653
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199592685.003.0012
- Subject:
- Law, Philosophy of Law
This chapter provides both a brief overview of the various strands of the argument and some concluding remarks. It begins with reference to six pillars on which the account is built, and proceeds to ...
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This chapter provides both a brief overview of the various strands of the argument and some concluding remarks. It begins with reference to six pillars on which the account is built, and proceeds to emphasize key aspects of the argument. It emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between self-interest and selfishness, as is the basic rule: ‘take account of others' interests’. It argues that this basic ruleis simply another formulation of the traditional rule of justice: ‘render to each what is due’. The chapter notes also that what in detail a good social context will be cannot be known in advance, for new attitudes, new understandings, new situations, new problems, and new solutions to old problems constantly arise. Despite such changes, the chapter suggests that the basic context in which people can live together in peace is common to human societies.Less
This chapter provides both a brief overview of the various strands of the argument and some concluding remarks. It begins with reference to six pillars on which the account is built, and proceeds to emphasize key aspects of the argument. It emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between self-interest and selfishness, as is the basic rule: ‘take account of others' interests’. It argues that this basic ruleis simply another formulation of the traditional rule of justice: ‘render to each what is due’. The chapter notes also that what in detail a good social context will be cannot be known in advance, for new attitudes, new understandings, new situations, new problems, and new solutions to old problems constantly arise. Despite such changes, the chapter suggests that the basic context in which people can live together in peace is common to human societies.
Paul A. Cantor
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780813140827
- eISBN:
- 9780813141299
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9780813140827.001.0001
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Media Studies
Popular culture often champions freedom as the fundamentally American way of life and celebrates the virtues of independence and self-reliance. But film and television have also explored the tension ...
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Popular culture often champions freedom as the fundamentally American way of life and celebrates the virtues of independence and self-reliance. But film and television have also explored the tension between freedom and other core values, such as order and political stability. What looks like healthy, productive, and creative freedom from one point of view may look like chaos, anarchy, and a source of destructive conflict from another. Film and television continually pose the question: Can Americans deal with their problems on their own, or must they rely on political elites to manage their lives? This book explores the ways television shows such as Star Trek, The X-Files, South Park, and Deadwood and films such as The Searchers, Mars Attacks!, and The Aviator have portrayed both top-down and bottom-up models of order. Drawing on John Locke, Adam Smith, Alexis de Tocqueville, and other proponents of freedom, the book contrasts the classical liberal vision of America—particularly its emphasis on the virtues of spontaneous order--with the Marxist understanding of the “culture industry” and the Hobbesian model of absolute state control. The book concludes with a discussion of the impact of 9/11 on film and television, and the new anxieties emerging in contemporary alien invasion narratives: the fear of a global technocracy that seeks to destroy the nuclear family, religious faith, local government, and other traditional bulwarks against the absolute state.Less
Popular culture often champions freedom as the fundamentally American way of life and celebrates the virtues of independence and self-reliance. But film and television have also explored the tension between freedom and other core values, such as order and political stability. What looks like healthy, productive, and creative freedom from one point of view may look like chaos, anarchy, and a source of destructive conflict from another. Film and television continually pose the question: Can Americans deal with their problems on their own, or must they rely on political elites to manage their lives? This book explores the ways television shows such as Star Trek, The X-Files, South Park, and Deadwood and films such as The Searchers, Mars Attacks!, and The Aviator have portrayed both top-down and bottom-up models of order. Drawing on John Locke, Adam Smith, Alexis de Tocqueville, and other proponents of freedom, the book contrasts the classical liberal vision of America—particularly its emphasis on the virtues of spontaneous order--with the Marxist understanding of the “culture industry” and the Hobbesian model of absolute state control. The book concludes with a discussion of the impact of 9/11 on film and television, and the new anxieties emerging in contemporary alien invasion narratives: the fear of a global technocracy that seeks to destroy the nuclear family, religious faith, local government, and other traditional bulwarks against the absolute state.
Geoffrey M. Hodgson
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780226168005
- eISBN:
- 9780226168142
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226168142.003.0003
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic Systems
Chapter 3 clarifies the nature of law, criticizing the idea that it can emerge spontaneously through the interactions of individuals, and rejecting the notion (promoted by Friedrich Hayek among ...
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Chapter 3 clarifies the nature of law, criticizing the idea that it can emerge spontaneously through the interactions of individuals, and rejecting the notion (promoted by Friedrich Hayek among several others) that law is essentially custom. Instead it is argued that the development of law required a state and an institutionalized judiciary. Although all law depends to a degree on custom, and there are examples of spontaneous emergence of legal rules, it is difficult to see how a full legal system could emerge as a spontaneous order and obtain a critical mass in large, complex societies. Crucially, law must suppress and divert all rudimentary punitive emotions into legal channels, and build on long-evolved dispositions to adhere to moral rules and to obey authority.Less
Chapter 3 clarifies the nature of law, criticizing the idea that it can emerge spontaneously through the interactions of individuals, and rejecting the notion (promoted by Friedrich Hayek among several others) that law is essentially custom. Instead it is argued that the development of law required a state and an institutionalized judiciary. Although all law depends to a degree on custom, and there are examples of spontaneous emergence of legal rules, it is difficult to see how a full legal system could emerge as a spontaneous order and obtain a critical mass in large, complex societies. Crucially, law must suppress and divert all rudimentary punitive emotions into legal channels, and build on long-evolved dispositions to adhere to moral rules and to obey authority.
Daniel B. Klein
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- April 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199355327
- eISBN:
- 9780190261313
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199355327.003.0005
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, History of Economic Thought
This chapter provides a taxonomy concerning social order and well-being. It distinguishes between “spontaneous order”, which is associated with Adam Smith, Friedrich Hayek, and Michael Polanyi, and ...
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This chapter provides a taxonomy concerning social order and well-being. It distinguishes between “spontaneous order”, which is associated with Adam Smith, Friedrich Hayek, and Michael Polanyi, and “emergent conventions”, which is associated with Carl Menger, Thomas Schelling, and other path-dependence theorists. Polanyi used the term “spontaneous order” in a consistent way to mean polycentric order or an undesigned concatenation of affairs. Hayek uses it the same way as Polanyi, but applies it to indicate the order brought about by the mutual adjustment of many individual economies in a market, called catallaxy and other undersigned concatenations of social activities.Less
This chapter provides a taxonomy concerning social order and well-being. It distinguishes between “spontaneous order”, which is associated with Adam Smith, Friedrich Hayek, and Michael Polanyi, and “emergent conventions”, which is associated with Carl Menger, Thomas Schelling, and other path-dependence theorists. Polanyi used the term “spontaneous order” in a consistent way to mean polycentric order or an undesigned concatenation of affairs. Hayek uses it the same way as Polanyi, but applies it to indicate the order brought about by the mutual adjustment of many individual economies in a market, called catallaxy and other undersigned concatenations of social activities.
Bruce Caldwell
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- February 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226091914
- eISBN:
- 9780226091921
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226091921.003.0013
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic History
Between 1945 and 1960, Hayek worked on two major projects. In the first, he developed in much greater detail the underpinnings in physiological psychology of the scattered remarks found in “Scientism ...
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Between 1945 and 1960, Hayek worked on two major projects. In the first, he developed in much greater detail the underpinnings in physiological psychology of the scattered remarks found in “Scientism and the Study of Society” about the human mind, classification, and interpretation. The second provided a description of and rationale for a classical liberal order. It is hard to imagine that the two resulting books, The Sensory Order and The Constitution of Liberty were written by the same person. The first is a technical scientific text whose didactic prose is, for those uninitiated in the jargon of psychology, at times impenetrable. The latter is, by contrast, systematic and flowing, filled with notes referencing the writings of the great and the obscure, a work at once sophisticated yet fully accessible to the layman. Both volumes contained themes that were critical in Hayek's later work. They led him to the “twin ideas of evolution and spontaneous order”and to the perception that examples of orders could be found in a wide variety of physical and social phenomena. This chapter begins the task of piecing together how Hayek came to incorporate these ideas into his existing work. It starts with The Sensory Order, a book that, although it was based on an old paper, appears to have gotten Hayek thinking along new lines. Then it looks at a lecture that could be considered a prelude to The Constitution of Liberty, one initially intended as the first section of the Abuse of Reason project, “Individualism: True and False”. An examination of that paper helps with the examination of just what sort of methodological individualist Hayek really was.Less
Between 1945 and 1960, Hayek worked on two major projects. In the first, he developed in much greater detail the underpinnings in physiological psychology of the scattered remarks found in “Scientism and the Study of Society” about the human mind, classification, and interpretation. The second provided a description of and rationale for a classical liberal order. It is hard to imagine that the two resulting books, The Sensory Order and The Constitution of Liberty were written by the same person. The first is a technical scientific text whose didactic prose is, for those uninitiated in the jargon of psychology, at times impenetrable. The latter is, by contrast, systematic and flowing, filled with notes referencing the writings of the great and the obscure, a work at once sophisticated yet fully accessible to the layman. Both volumes contained themes that were critical in Hayek's later work. They led him to the “twin ideas of evolution and spontaneous order”and to the perception that examples of orders could be found in a wide variety of physical and social phenomena. This chapter begins the task of piecing together how Hayek came to incorporate these ideas into his existing work. It starts with The Sensory Order, a book that, although it was based on an old paper, appears to have gotten Hayek thinking along new lines. Then it looks at a lecture that could be considered a prelude to The Constitution of Liberty, one initially intended as the first section of the Abuse of Reason project, “Individualism: True and False”. An examination of that paper helps with the examination of just what sort of methodological individualist Hayek really was.
