Hayek's social and political thought
By: Roland Kley.
Publisher: Clarendon Press; Oxford University Press
Published: 1994
Place of publication: Oxford; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 248
Subjects: Hayek, Friedrich A. von 1899- -- Political and social views.
Description: This book examines the work of one of the most controversial figures in recent social and political thought. Revered by some as the most important twentieth century theorist of the free society, Hayek has been reviled by others as a mere reactionary. Impartial throughout, the author offers a clear exposition and balanced assessment, that judges Hayek's theory by its own lights.

The author argues that the key to understanding Hayek lies in an appreciation of the proper link between descriptive social science and normative political theory. He probes the idea of a spontaneous order and other notions central to Hayek's thought and concludes that they are unable to provide the 'scientific' foundation Hayek seeks for his liberalism.

By drawing out the distinctive character of Hayek's thought, the author presents a new and more accurate picture of this influential social and political theorist.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [230]-239) and index.
Revision of thesis (D. Phil.)--Oxford University.