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What's Left of Philosophy
110 | What is Liberalism? Part VI. Possessive Individualism and the Collapsing Order
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!
54:47
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Quick takeaways
- C.B. Macpherson's concept of possessive individualism reveals how modern identity is shaped by ownership and market relations.
- The emergence of class antagonisms within liberalism destabilizes social cohesion, threatening the stability of democratic structures.
Deep dives
Possessive Individualism and Liberal Society
Possessive individualism, as articulated by C.B. McPherson, describes a modern individual defined by proprietorship, where freedom arises from self-ownership and contractual social relations. This perspective marks a shift from medieval collectivism to a landscape where society is perceived as a composition of individualists engaged in market interactions. Individuals are not embedded within communal obligations but instead operate as self-interested proprietors, leading to a political structure founded on their rights to private property. This transformation suggests that individual freedom is inherently linked to the idea of owning oneself and one's capabilities, reshaping our understanding of social dynamics.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode