The individual and the political order in the thought of F.A. Hayek and Robert Nozick : a critical examination

Abstract

This thesis addresses one of the perennial problems of political life, that of the proper relationship between the individual and the political order. In particular, it examines aspects of the political thought of two contemporary libertarian philosophers who attempt to come to terms with this problem. How much, and what kind of, freedom the individual should be allowed for ordering his private life, which influences upon others are legitimate, and how much the government should interfere, how, and in what areas, are questions of fundamental importance to ideologues, politicians and political theorists alike.