Hayek and the Conquest of Ignorance

This book argues for a comprehensive reframing of Friedrich Hayek, one of the most influential economic and social thinkers of the twentieth century. Its focus is on the role of legal philosophy and legislation in understanding Hayek's views on social and economic planning, and in particular his critique of socialism.

The book examines Hayek's later works on the shortcomings of legislation as the primary political tool used by governments to coerce otherwise free economic activity. It argues that Hayek's view of social and especially legal rules equates to a reformulation of his critique of planned economies, which has so far been understood in purely economic terms. The book argues that Hayek should be considered an important scholar in the realm of complexity theory, showing that his writing on intertwined legal and economic systems paved the way for a greater understanding of how individual agents and the 'spontaneous order' of the economy is inevitably regulated by the rational social order brought about by moral and legal rules and institutions. The book itself seeks to break the tradition of studying Hayek's work from isolated legal or economic lenses. This will be a valuable resource for scholars across the social sciences, including within economics, political science, law, complexity theory, and philosophy.

Re-frames Hayek's critique of socialism in terms of his legislative philosophy and views on the role of legislation Offers new perspectives on Hayek by integrating legal philosophy into economic theory Illuminates Hayek's contributions to traditions including complexity science and utilitarianism

Autorentext

Cyril Holm is an associate professor of law at Karlstad University, Sweden. His academic background is in economics, the history of science and legal philosophy, the latter of which is currently his primary research interest. He has teaching and research experience at the interface of law, economics, complexity theory, technology and future studies.

Klappentext

“Holm’s goal is to clarify and assess F. A. Hayek’s critique of legislation. The author knows the extant literature intimately and brings an interdisciplinary sensibility to his task. The result is a carefully-argued and original contribution to Hayekian studies. “

–**Bruce Caldwell*, Research Professor of Economics, Director, Center for the History of Political Economy, Duke University, USA and the author of Hayek's Challenge and Hayek: A Life*

"This book is an in-depth treatment of F. A. Hayek's incomparable 20th Century contributions to the study of rules, order, and economy."

–**Vernon Smith**, Professor of Economics and Law at Chapman University, USA, and 2002 recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economics

This book argues for a comprehensive reframing of Friedrich Hayek, one of the most influential economic and social thinkers of the twentieth century. Its focus is on the role of legal philosophy and legislation in understanding Hayek's views on social and economic planning, and in particular his critique of socialism.

The book examines Hayek's later works on the shortcomings of legislation as the primary political tool used by governments to coerce otherwise free economic activity. It argues that Hayek's view of social and especially legal rules equates to a reformulation of his critique of planned economies, which has so far been understood in purely economic terms. The book argues that Hayek should be considered an important scholar in the realm of complexity theory, showing that his writing on intertwined legal and economic systems paved the way for a greater understanding of how individual agents and the 'spontaneous order' of the economy is inevitably regulated by the rational social order brought about by moral and legal rules and institutions. The book itself seeks to break the tradition of studying Hayek's work from isolated legal or economic lenses.

Cyril Holm is an Associate Professor of Law at Karlstad University, Sweden. His academic background is in economics, the history of science and legal philosophy, the latter of which is currently his primary research interest. He has teaching and research experience at the interface of law, economics, complexity theory, technology and future studies.

Inhalt

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Part I: Background.- Chapter 2. Hayek in Context.- Chapter 3. Hayek as a Philosopher.- Chapter 4. Constructivist Rationalism and Political Movements.- Part II: Hayek's Critique - Setting the Stage.- Chapter 5. Scope and Argumentative Structure.- Part III: The Dispersal of Knowledge Thesis.- Chapter 6. Philosophy of Mind.- Chapter 7. Complexity Science.- Chapter 8. The Role of Know-How.- Chapter 9. The Critique of Equilibrium Theory.- Chapter 10. Challenging the Dispersal of Knowledge Thesis: Game Theory and Agent-Based Computational Models.- Part IV: The Cultural Evolution Thesis.- Chapter 11. Rules, Cognition, and Social Order.- Chapter 12. Evolution and Rules.- Chapter 13. Knowledge and Rules: Man-Made Legislation versus Evolutionary Rules.- Chapter 14. Challenging the Dispersal of Knowledge Thesis: Empirical Studies and Polycentric Government.- Part V: Taking Stock.- Chapter 15. Summarizing the Results.- Chapter 16. Science or Politics?.