What's Left of Philosophy 110 | What is Liberalism? Part VI. Possessive Individualism and the Collapsing Order
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Apr 2, 2025 Dive into the intriguing world of possessive individualism, where individual freedom clashes with market-driven society. Explore how C.B. Macpherson critiques liberalism's roots, revealing tensions between private property and social cohesion. Enjoy a humorous take on philosophical discourse while grappling with class conflicts and the quest for equity. Amidst disillusionment in the current political climate, the conversation raises the question: can liberalism survive its growing contradictions? Get ready for a thought-provoking reflection on the potential futures of our societies!
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Liberalism's Crisis of Obligation
- C.B. Macpherson identifies a key problem in liberal political theory: its assumptions are valid in market societies, but its conclusions aren't.
- The dynamics of capital accumulation undermine social cohesion, creating a crisis for liberalism's theory of obligation.
Class Conflict and Liberalism
- Macpherson argues that liberalism's initial social cohesion relied on the dominance of gentry property owners.
- As the working class gained cohesion, liberalism engendered class conflict, contradicting its core principles.
Working Class Articulation and Instability
- Macpherson suggests that the working class gaining consciousness and political articulation presented a critical challenge to liberal theory.
- He views this not as a positive step but as a destabilizing factor for the existing order.
