Shampoo, Property Rights, and Civilization (with Anthony Gill)

This work, spanning three volumes, is a detailed examination of the conditions necessary for human freedom. Hayek argues that a free society must be governed by general and abstract rules rather than by specific legislation aimed at achieving social justice. He critiques the notion of social justice, arguing it is incompatible with the functioning of a complex market society. Hayek advocates for a system where law evolves from customary practices rather than solely from legislation and proposes a constitutional framework that limits government power through a division of power between two distinct democratically elected assemblies and an independent constitutional court.

Published in 1759, 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments' is Adam Smith's first major published work, based on his lectures at Glasgow University. The book argues that morality is driven by humanity's natural sociability and the need for approval from peers, rather than by rational calculation or innate moral sense. Smith introduces key concepts such as sympathy, the impartial spectator, and the invisible hand, which explain how individuals judge the conduct and character of themselves and others. The work delves into the emotional and social aspects of human behavior, highlighting the role of emotions like pity and compassion in shaping moral sentiments and behaviors.

In this book, Roy F. Baumeister explores the concept of evil by considering the perspectives of perpetrators rather than victims. He delves into the gap between the victim's and perpetrator's viewpoints and analyzes the roots of evil behavior, including egotism, revenge, idealism, and sadism. The book discusses how ordinary people can engage in violent and cruel acts, the mechanisms that lead individuals to commit evil deeds, and the ways in which society can restrain or facilitate such behavior. Baumeister also examines the role of factors like material gain, threatened egotism, idealism, and sadistic pleasure in the perpetration of evil.