In Defence Of Liberalism

Liberalism, the basic philosophy in the modern western society, is of particular importance in understanding the various phenomena in the modem western society. As the leading man of the many thinkers who expound liberalism, Hayek has attracted many Chinese scholars in recent years. Unfortunately, in China there exist some superficial understanding and misconceptions of his theory. It is thus necessary to carry out a detailed study to grasp the essence of this theory and explore the elements in his thought that could act as the spiritual values of the human society so as to make this theory serve the socialist modernization.With the theory of spontaneous order being the basis and the core of Hayek's theoretical system of liberalism, this thesis attempts to make Hayek's thought understood correctly by introducing and analyzing the theory of spontaneous order and then commenting on Hayek's defense of liberalism.This thesis first presents the social and historical background of the spontaneous order theory, its theoretical basis, its core and the political concept concerned in the theory. The thesis then discusses the ideological origins of this theory as well as its significance and limitations. In the author's view, Hayek's concept of spontaneous order carries forward the traditions of spontaneous order in the liberalism of western economy and the traditions of critical rationalism in the history of western philosophy. This thesis generalizes the significance of spontaneous order theory as follows: Hayek's thought pattern of seeking the possibility of liberalism hi explanation of spontaneous order theory has changed the discussion pattern of liberalism; his establishment of bounds of reason promote the use of human reason; his pursuit of individualism on the basis of socialization not only helps people understand the value and significance of the individuals but also reveals great importance in the dispute between liberalism and communitarianism. The thesis also points out that the deficiency of this theory lies in its two paradoxes, the ambiguity of Hayek's bounds of reason, Hayek's underestimate of human ideal and his boundless expansion of the spontaneous order, which in turn affects Hayek's defense of liberalism.The thesis finally draws a conclusion on the basis of the review and analysis ofHayek's theory. The conclusion is that in spite of the originality in Hayek's attempt to lay a solid foundation for liberalism by explaining spontaneous theory, he does not do it successfully due to his dual capacities in the academic life. On one hand, as a theorist with specific ideology, he characterizes his theory with defence and bigotry; On the other hand, as a wise thinker, he holds a lot of original views deserving people's attention. Therefore, Hayek's theory of spontaneous order would be wisdom rather than truth, and he himself would be a gadfly making people sober-minded rather than a person of foresight.