Who coined the term ‘Possessive Individualism’ ?

Correct option is C

Macpherson's critique was directed particularly at the works of political philosophers like Hobbes and Locke, who, in his view, had conceptualized the individual primarily in terms of ownership and self-interest, promoting a capitalist ethos that prioritizes individual rights over communal obligations. This notion of possessive individualism, Macpherson argued, had become foundational to modern liberal thought and the capitalist economic system.

Information Booster:

• (a) Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Rousseau was a political philosopher known for his ideas about the general will and the social contract, but he did not coin the term "possessive individualism."

• (b) John Rawls: Rawls, a 20th-century philosopher, is known for his theory of justice and the "veil of ignorance" but did not coin the term "possessive individualism."

• (d) Edmund Burke: Burke was a conservative philosopher who focused on the value of tradition and social order, and did not use the term "possessive individualism" in his works.

Additional Information :

C. B. Macpherson (1911–1987) was a prominent Canadian political theorist best known for his work on the development of liberal political thought and his critique of individualism, especially in the context of capitalist societies. He made significant contributions to political theory, particularly through his analysis of the concept of possessive individualism.

Early Life and Career:
Full Name: Charles Bruce Macpherson
Born: November 27, 1911, in Canada
Education: Macpherson studied at the University of Toronto and the University of Oxford, where he developed an interest in political philosophy.
Teaching: He was a professor of political science at the University of Toronto and held several academic positions throughout his career, contributing to the intellectual landscape of political thought in Canada and beyond.

Major Contributions:

Possessive Individualism:
Macpherson’s most influential idea was the concept of “possessive individualism,” which he explored in his seminal work, The Political Theory of Possessive Individualism: Hobbes to Locke (1962). In this work, he argued that modern liberal theory, particularly that of thinkers like Hobbes and Locke, was rooted in the idea that the individual is essentially an owner of their own labor and property. This concept, he argued, is foundational to capitalist systems, where individual autonomy is defined in terms of ownership and self-interest.
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Critique of Liberalism:
Macpherson was critical of the traditional liberal conception of the individual as autonomous and independent. He contended that this view ignored the social and economic structures that supported individual ownership, particularly in capitalist societies. For Macpherson, liberalism, especially in its classical form, often overlooked the implications of inequality and exploitation in the capitalist system.
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Democratic Theory:
Although critical of liberalism, Macpherson was deeply committed to the principles of democracy. He explored how liberal democratic thought could evolve to address issues of inequality and social justice. Macpherson’s democratic ideals leaned toward a more participatory form of democracy, advocating for greater equality in economic and political relations.
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Communitarianism and Democracy:
Macpherson’s work also laid the foundation for the later development of communitarianism, a political philosophy that emphasizes the role of the community in shaping the identity and moral responsibilities of individuals. He sought to balance individual rights with the needs of the community, highlighting the importance of shared social and economic values.

Other Notable Works:
"The Political Theory of Property" (1978): In this work, Macpherson examined the concept of property in political thought, exploring how it relates to ideas of liberty, freedom, and democracy.
"Democracy in Alberta" (1966): This work was a critical examination of the political system in Alberta, Canada, focusing on issues such as democracy and political power.