Institutions and Power

Essay text:

in schools- discussed as moral individuals o We’ve been socialized to think of ourselves as individuals o Is this because it’s really true or is it because there are powerful interests at play in encouraging us to think of ourselves in individualistic terms? o Just because we all do behave individualistically, does it mean we are? o Powerful forces induce us to think individualistically o Even when we go to behave in collective ways and make collective demands (e.g. unions)- the state will tell us it is a rational and illiberal form of behavior • Is methodological individualism as a way of looking at society conservative (not progressive) or radical in terms of it’s ideological and political implications o Tends to be conservative in that we are not as cooperative and collectivist which prevents us from seriously engaging in any social transformation (when people all behave individually) o Historically- individualist philosophy and ideology is both conservative and radical depending on the context o Early English tradition of individualism ? Putney debate in England; revolution against the King in the 17th century? sitting around imagining what kind of society they would like to create; soldiers: I gave up everything I had- the democracy I fought for is universal individual consent to rule and I want the distribution of property to be apart of the democratic process; officer- ?radical- I want to protect property; soldiers- ?conservative? o Individual human rights – radical discourse- the belief that individuals have certain basic rights o Conservative talks about individualism – talk about their right to property