Individualism True And False

[Title Page and Publication Details]: The title page and front matter for the Twelfth Finlay Lecture delivered by F. A. Hayek in 1945, featuring an epigraph by Alexis de Tocqueville regarding the divergent paths of freedom and absolute power. [Individualism: True and False - The Nature of Principles]: Hayek introduces the necessity of adhering to general principles of social organization rather than mere expediency. He argues that the modern drift toward collectivism results from a lack of coherent political philosophy and sets out to restate the principles of 'true' individualism as an alternative to socialism. [Two Traditions of Individualism: British vs. Continental]: Hayek distinguishes between 'true' individualism, rooted in the British tradition (Locke, Smith, Burke), and a 'false' rationalistic individualism of Continental origin (Descartes, Rousseau). He argues that while the British tradition recognizes the spontaneous growth of institutions, the Cartesian tradition leads to a design-based approach that ultimately results in collectivism and socialism. [The Spontaneous Order and the Limits of Reason]: Hayek defines true individualism as a theory of society that understands social phenomena through individual actions rather than as entities sui generis. He contrasts the anti-rationalistic British view, which values the spontaneous collaboration of free men and the 'invisible hand,' with the Cartesian 'design' theory that assumes human reason can and should centrally plan social institutions. [Human Nature, Self-Interest, and the Market]: Hayek critiques the misconception of the 'economic man,' explaining that Smith's individualism was designed for fallible humans rather than perfectly rational ones. He argues that the market and private property are essential because they allow individuals with limited knowledge to contribute to a complex social order. He also distinguishes between treating people equally and attempting to make them equal, which he views as a path to servitude. [The Role of Government and General Rules]: Hayek outlines the practical application of individualism, advocating for a government limited by general, abstract rules rather than specific orders. He argues that the state should provide a legal framework (including property rights) that allows individuals to use their unique knowledge, while avoiding the pursuit of specific social ends which leads to absolute power. [Tradition, Convention, and the Social Organism]: Hayek emphasizes that a free society relies on non-compulsory conventions, traditions, and voluntary associations. He contrasts this with the 'false' individualism found in Germany, which rejects tradition in favor of 'originality' and deliberate organization. He argues that the destruction of spontaneous social structures leads to the creation of a 'mass-society' dependent on central power. [Centralization, Nationalism, and Democracy]: Hayek discusses the dangers of centralization and nationalism, which he views as siblings of socialism. He defends democracy as an individualist ideal but warns against the 'superstitious belief' in the omnicompetence of majorities. He asserts that true democracy must protect the minority's right to prevail through competition and must not be used to impose absolute power. [Conclusion and Notes]: Hayek concludes by reiterating that society is greater than the individual only when it is free, warning against the presumption of modern reason. The section includes extensive footnotes detailing the historical origins of the terms 'individualism' and 'socialism,' and providing scholarly context on thinkers like Mandeville, Ferguson, and Smith.