F. A. Hayek and the mirage of social justice

Abstract

This dissertation is an examination of the social philosophy of F. A. Hayek, with especial reference to his critique of social justice. Hayek's critique is built upon his overall social philosophy. The first part of the dissertation, therefore, is an explication of certain essential elements of that philosophy: to wit, the spontaneous order, rules of just conduct, law, justice, and lastly the critique of social justice itself. The second part of the dissertation is a critical analysis of Hayek's argument. I first consider whether the idea of the spontaneous order and Hayek's conception of justice are viable independently of any conflicts with social justice, concluding that there are some problems with these elements. Next, I examine the critique of social justice: considering first whether social justice is inevitably incompatible with Hayek's social order, and then considering whether the rejection of social justice is compatible with the normative premise which underlies Hayek's philosophy. I conclude that Hayek has problems on both of these fronts. I finish by presenting a general appraisal of the merits and value of Hayek's critique of social justice.