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TERRA ECONOMICUS

Principles and problems of Friedrich August von Hayek′s evolutionary approach

TERRA ECONOMICUS, , Vol. 11 (no. 1.3),
p. 9-13

The paper is devoted to Friedrich August von Hayek s theory of cultural evolution. This article discusses the similarities and differences between biological and cultural (social) evolution. The author describes the differences between Lamarckism and Darwinism on the understanding of the causes of evolution, and on this basis author considers the question: Hayek′s theory of cultural evolution is basically Darwinian or Lamarckian? Main problems with theory of cultural evolution - application of the controversial group selection theory and negation of laws of evolution - have been analyzed. Differences between group selection in accordance with the Hayek′s opinion and group selection in biology have been revealed. Hayek′s definition of laws of evolution has been clarified. Consequences of attempts at radical deliberate intervention in the course of social evolution have been specified.


Keywords: Friedrich August von Hayek; cultural evolution; group selection; laws of evolution

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Publisher: Southern Federal University
Founder: Southern Federal University
ISSN: 2073-6606