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Part Two The moral dimensions of individualism

Abstract

Moral individualism stresses the value of the individual, and the idea of the individual as an autonomous, self-determining, free agent, but there are many interpretations of what this means. Some interpretations have emphasised the importance of personal choice and the responsibility of individuals as moral actors; some writers consider property rights to be paramount. The welfare of individuals is sometimes identified with choice, and sometimes with rights, but it is more complex than either: the interests of individuals are closely affected by their relationships with other people.

Abstract

Moral individualism stresses the value of the individual, and the idea of the individual as an autonomous, self-determining, free agent, but there are many interpretations of what this means. Some interpretations have emphasised the importance of personal choice and the responsibility of individuals as moral actors; some writers consider property rights to be paramount. The welfare of individuals is sometimes identified with choice, and sometimes with rights, but it is more complex than either: the interests of individuals are closely affected by their relationships with other people.

Chapters in this book

  1. Front Matter i
  2. Contents iii
  3. List of tables and figures v
  4. About the author vii
  5. Six impossible things before breakfast 1
  6. Individualism 5
  7. The moral dimensions of individualism 23
  8. Methodological individualism and rational self-interest 57
  9. Substantive policy 99
  10. Individuals and collective action 139
  11. Government and public policy 171
  12. Index 201
  13. Index of names 204
Reclaiming Individualism
This chapter is in the book Reclaiming Individualism
https://doi.org/10.56687/9781447309093-005

Chapters in this book

  1. Front Matter i
  2. Contents iii
  3. List of tables and figures v
  4. About the author vii
  5. Six impossible things before breakfast 1
  6. Individualism 5
  7. The moral dimensions of individualism 23
  8. Methodological individualism and rational self-interest 57
  9. Substantive policy 99
  10. Individuals and collective action 139
  11. Government and public policy 171
  12. Index 201
  13. Index of names 204
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