Options
Title
Neoliberalism: The Corruption of Human Nature
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008:
Author(s)
Thompson, Lester J
Publication Date
2014
Abstract
This paper argues that 'human nature' is a key factor in understanding the underpinnings of collectivism and proposes that neoliberalism corrupts the innate human need to act socially, ethically, and morally for the benefit of the common good. The evolution of humanity has been grounded in our need to collectivise and act in concert with each other in ways that improve need satisfaction. Evolutionary biology suggests that any economic or philosophical system that fails to conceptualise human systems -communities, societies, collectives- is flawed and likely to fail in the long term. Adopting this position, this paper argues that neoliberalism, in its all-consuming demand for individualism, rejects the premise and evidence of evolutionary biology. As a result, neoliberalism corrupts human needs and human nature. The lynchpin to a more civilised society rests in economic and social systems that recognise the evolutionary reality that human needs are better satisfied when they act in concert with each other, through activities such as the building of social and economic capital in the welfare sector and through unionisation.
Publication Type
Journal Article
Source of Publication
The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social and Community Studies, 8(2), p. 1-12
Publisher
Common Ground Publishing
Place of Publication
United States of America
ISSN
2324-7584
2324-7576
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020
HERDC Category Description
Statistics to Oct 2018:
Visitors: 16<br />Views: 36<br />Downloads: 1
Permanent link to this record