Difference between revisions of "Individualism"

Revision as of 21:38, 2 November 2011

Definition

Individualism is theory that values a single person's freedom of action over the collective group. This basically means that the individual comes before the group. Another way to think about Individualism is as the opposite as collectivism, which gives the group priority over one person. Either way, Individualism is one of the basic tenets of the modern West.

Possessive individualism

Possessive individualism is mentioned as one of the tenets of the modern, West, but no further explanation is provided. The theory of Possessive Individualism was first proposed by C.B. Macpherson. According to Macpherson, the individual person is responsible for his talents, and therefore has no obligation to society. In, turn, society owes the individual nothing. An extreme version of possessive individualism is anarchy, which is absolute freedom of the individual due to lack of government.

Sources

http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Politics/?view=usa&ci=9780195444018

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZwgVuoBwn3s/TIkmOWvo4_I/AAAAAAAACpk/slgUL950c8U/s400/Individualism

Beniretto, Rosie, and Clay Elliot. "Neolithic Revolution." Manual for Cultural Foundations of Ancient Civilizations. Houston: St. John's School, 2011-2012. 36-37. Print.

--Dlu