Dilemma of Individualism and Freedom in Neoliberal Understanding

Year 2024, Volume: 23 Issue: 92, 1323 - 1338, 08.10.2024

Ahmet Küçük

https://doi.org/10.17755/esosder.1454901

Abstract

There is a clear tension in the neoliberal approach to individualism and freedom. Focusing on the process of individualization and individual self-determination in markets, neoclassical approaches recognize that individuals are committed to social mobility and responsibility to act within market rules on, individual autonomy and the ability to set self-determined goals appear to be limited to market participation. The market is seen as an inherently dynamic system developed over time. According to Hayek, individualism refers to social progress and conformity to society. The aim of this paper is to respectfully examine the apparent inconsistencies and limitations of how individual freedom and choice have been conceptualized by neoliberal thinkers, through an analysis of the works of Hayek and Friedman. Neoliberal policies articulate the notion of free will and question the definition of freedom from a purely economic perspective. By further examining these nuances, the study hopes to reflect on the personal and societal political implications associated with neoliberalism’s more limited understanding of self-government and voluntarism. Finally, an examination of balanced perspectives can add to the ongoing discussion on how best to organize social policies that maximize individual dignity and collective well-being in the long run at in a constructive manner.

Keywords

Neoliberalism, Hayek, Friedman, Cultural Evolution Theory, Individualism, Freedom

Neoliberal Anlayışın Bireycilik ve Özgürlük İkilemi

Abstract

Özet
Neoliberalizmin bireyciliğe ve özgürlüğe yaklaşımı çelişkiler içermektedir. Bir yandan metodolojik bireycilik ve piyasa ekonomisinde bireye verilen önemi vurgulanırken diğer yandan, bireyin sosyal süreçlere bağımlılığı ve piyasa kurallarına uyma zorunluluğu öne sürülmektedir. Bireyin özgürlüğü ve hedef belirleme yetisi yalnızca piyasa alanıyla sınırlandırılmaktadır. Piyasa tarihsel ve evrimsel süreçlerle belirlenen doğal bir düzen olarak değerlendirilmektedir. Hayek'e göre bireyciliğin anlamı, bireyin sosyal evrime uyum sağlaması ve toplumsal süreçlere boyun eğmesidir. Bu anlamda çalışma, neoliberalizmin bireyselliğe ve özgürlüğe bakış açısındaki çelişki ve sınırlamaları incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Hayek ve Friedman’ın eserlerinin içerik analiziyle neoliberal birey kavramı tartışılmakta, bireysel özgürlüğün ekonomik özgürlükle sınırlı yorumu eleştirilmektedir. Araştırma, neoliberalizmin dar anlamdaki bireycilik ve özgürlük yaklaşımını ortaya çıkardığı bireysel, toplumsal ve siyasi sonuçlar açısından sorgulayarak tartışmayı, bu sayede ilgili literatüre katkı sunmayı ve ileriye yönelik çalışmalara ışık tutmayı amaçlamaktadır.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Neoliberalizm, Hayek, Kültürel Evrim Teorisi, Friedman, Bireycilik, Özgürlük,

Keywords

Neoliberalizm, Hayek, Kültürel Evrim Teorisi, Friedman, Bireycilik, Özgürlük

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