Individualism in Modern Thought: From Adam Smith to Hayek (Routledge Studies in Social and Political Thought) [Hardcover]

Lorenzo Infantino (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 23, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0415185246 | ISBN-13: 978-0415185240 | Edition: 1

This book is a comprehensive survey of methodological individualism in social, political and economic thought from the Enlightenment to the 20th century. Exploring the works of such figures as de Mandeville, Smith, Marx, Spencer, Durkheim, Simmel, Weber, Hayek, Popper and Parsons, this study underlines the contrasts between methodological collectivism and methodological individualism. The detailed analysis offered here also reveals the theoretical presuppositions behind the collectivist and individualist traditions and the practical consequences of their applications. Infantino concludes in favour of individualism.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Italian

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (July 23, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415185246
• ISBN-13: 978-0415185240
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,753,188 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars High level philosophy from economic theory pioneers, October 18, 2011

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Robert Kirk (Reno, Nv) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Individualism in Modern Thought: From Adam Smith to Hayek (Routledge Studies in Social and Political Thought) (Hardcover)

I was referred to read this book and I'm not sure I would rush to recommend it to others. If you want to read the book, check it out of the library. I just noticed the cost via Amazon, wow. Back to the review, the author leans on the giants of economics and their thoughts about the individuals role in the economic and social science of modern days. The examples used throughout the book are the spontaneous nature of man and how even the best laid plans don't always work out. One quote from Mercer is that "needs are what motivates man to act and to transform things into goods". Man's needs change over time and obviously it is impossible to predict with incredible accuracy what will be next. Another great quote from Popper "The main task of the theoretical social sciences..is to trace unintended social repercussions of intentional human actions". Moral hazard comes to mind. In summary, not sure this book is worth your time but it's interesting.