Who among the following thinkers characterized early liberalism as ‘possessive individualism’ ?

Correct option is B

C.B. Macpherson (1911–1987) was a Canadian political theorist and a prominent critic of classical liberalism. In his seminal work ,"The Political Theory of Possessive Individualism: Hobbes to Locke" (1962), Macpherson analyzed the foundations of liberal political thought in the 17th century. He argued that early liberalism, particularly in the works of thinkers like Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, was rooted in the concept of "possessive individualism."

What is Possessive Individualism?

• Possessive individualism refers to the idea that individuals are fundamentally defined by their ownership of themselves (self-ownership) and their capacity to own property. In this framework, society is seen as a collection of market relations, where individuals compete to maximize their own interests and possessions.

• Macpherson criticized this view for reducing human beings to mere economic actors, prioritizing property rights and market relations over broader social and ethical concerns.

Key Thinkers Associated with Possessive Individualism:

Macpherson primarily focused on the works of:

1. Thomas Hobbes: Hobbes' view of human nature as inherently competitive and self-interested aligns with the idea of possessive individualism.

2. John Locke: Locke's emphasis on property rights and individual autonomy is seen as a cornerstone of this ideology.

Why Not the Other Options?

• (A) Jeremy Bentham: Bentham was a utilitarian philosopher who focused on maximizing happiness (the greatest good for the greatest number). He did not characterize liberalism as possessive individualism.

• (C) Milton Friedman: Friedman was a 20th-century economist and advocate of free-market capitalism. While he supported individualism, he did not use the term "possessive individualism" or critique early liberalism in the way Macpherson did.

• (D) T.H. Green: Green was a British idealist philosopher who critiqued classical liberalism from a more communitarian perspective, emphasizing social responsibility and the common good. He did not use the term "possessive individualism."