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Eleven contributors among them philosophers, economists, historians, and political scientists from the United States and Europe present an overview of the intellectual influences and historical events which inspired Hayek and examine the idea of spontaneous order. They also describe Hayek's reasons for rejecting constructivism in favor of an evolutionary approach to economics, political theory, and legal theory. They also consider major topics in his work, such as the welfare state, the neutrality of the state, the morality of social cooperation, the rule of law, and the concepts of totalitarianism and freedom. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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To celebrate the centenary of Hayek's birth, this timely book gathers together a distinguished group of authors who celebrate his work and pay testament to the vast scope of his ideas which span across epistemology, economy, the history of ideas, legal theory and cultural philosophy.The authors present an overview of the intellectual influences and historical events which inspired Hayek and examine the development of the idea of spontaneous order. They also describe the reasons why Hayek rejected constructivism for a more evolutionary approach in economics, political theory and legal theory. They go on to examine the welfare state, probably the most controversial area of Hayek's work. They then discuss the neutrality of the state and the morality of cooperation in society, the rule of law and constitution, and the concepts of the totalitarian state and free society.Hayek's political thought is applied to the issue of European federalism in the final part, where it is argued that Hayek's integrated vision of law, economics and history is what is required to enlighten us on the new state of Europe. The authors show that Hayek's work is as relevant today as ever.The book will be of great interest to scholars of liberal political economy, law and economics and the history of ideas.
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