Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other labelled as Reason (R). Identify the correct answer. Assertion (A) : F. A. Hayek portrayed state intervention and collectivism, even in their moderate forms, as inevitably leading to an erosion of Liberty. Reason (R) : He is a supporter of laissez faire and opponent of Keynesian economics and the welfare state. Codes :
Assertion (A): Hayek on Liberty and Intervention
The statement asserts that F. A. Hayek believed state intervention and collectivism inevitably erode liberty. This aligns with Hayek's prominent work, such as The Road to Serfdom, where he argued that central planning and increasing government control over the economy lead individuals down a path towards totalitarianism, sacrificing fundamental freedoms.
Reason (R): Hayek's Economic Philosophy
This statement posits that Hayek was a proponent of laissez faire and an opponent of Keynesian economics and the welfare state. This is accurate. Hayek championed free markets, minimal government interference (laissez-faire), and criticized demand-management policies (Keynesianism) and extensive social security systems (welfare state) as detrimental to economic efficiency and individual liberty.
Connecting Reason to Assertion
The reason (R) provides the foundation for the assertion (A). Hayek's opposition to state intervention, Keynesian policies, and the welfare state stems directly from his conviction that these economic models inherently concentrate power, reduce individual choice, and consequently diminish liberty. Therefore, his support for laissez faire and opposition to interventionist policies are the core reasons why he viewed state intervention as a threat to liberty.
Conclusion
Both statements (A) and (R) are factually correct regarding F. A. Hayek's views. Furthermore, Reason (R) correctly explains the underlying principles of Assertion (A). Hayek's philosophical stance against interventionism directly supports his argument about the erosion of liberty caused by such policies.
Important Questions from Western Philosophers
- Deontological theory of moral goodness is associated with:
- Which among the following most appropriately defines the idea of eudemonia?
"we must tolerate the view point of the other even if those view points go strongly against our view points; because, in the past, we have made wrong judgements about things/action/events, and there is possibility that the view I hold to be true now may turn out to be wrong later." With whom is the above argument on toleration associated with?
- Who among the following philosophers emphasized the primacy of ethics?
- Which among the following philosophers preaches theistic existentialism?
