Description
Book SynopsisF.A. Hayek presents a fundamental examination and critique of the central issues of socialism. His analysis begins with David Hume's insight that 'the rules of morality ... are not conclusions of our reason.' 'Was Socialism a mistake?' he asks, and drawing upon research in evolutionary epistemology, moral tradition, and other current ethical thinking, he probes for answers. He argues that socialism, from its origins, has been mistaken on scientific and factual, even on logical grounds - and that its repeated failures were the direct outcome of these scientific errors. Highly readable and controversial, a work of considerable scholarship and energy, The Fatal Conceit will greatly advance our contemporary understanding of the economic and political issues confronting the world, especially important as debates between socialism and capitalism grow.
Trade Review`... as passionate and disputatious as anything he has written. As well as adding up to a powerful manifesto against socialism, it is a fully accessible account of many of the main strands of Mr Hayek's thinking. Politicians ... no longer have any excuse for ignoring what he has actually said ... One of the outstanding political philosophers of this century has written a concise summation of his work: Hayek for everyman. It deserves to be read.' - The Economist
`His arguments are well structured, clearly expressed and, at all times, provocative. His followers will admire the trenchant critique of socialism; his enemies will find his work challenging ... It should not be ignored by anyone concerned with contemporary political discourse and economic developments in the modern world.' - Political Studies
`This is a book from which we can all learn, and have our understanding of society widened and enriched by extensive analysis embodied in trenchant analysis.' - Policy
`...this rich and provocative book' - Ethics
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Was Socialism a Mistake? 1. Between Instinct and Reason 2. The Origins of Liberty, Property and Justice 3. The Evolution of the Market: Trade and Civilisation 4. The Revolt of Instinct and Reason 5. The Fatal Conceit 6. The Mysterious World of Trade and Money 7. Our Poisoned Language 8. The Extended Order and Population Growth 9. Religion and the Guardians of Tradition.
