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A Christian Ethical View on the Neoliberal Understanding of Human Nature and the Possibility of Social Integration: Focusing on Hayek’s Understanding of Human Nature

  • The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics
  • Abbr : 기사윤
  • 2018, (42), pp.125~152
  • DOI : 10.21050/CSE.2018.42.05
  • Publisher : The Society Of Korean Christian Social Ethics
  • Research Area : Humanities > Christian Theology
  • Received : October 30, 2018
  • Accepted : December 21, 2018

Lee, bong-seok 1

1감리교신학대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study points out a fundamental shortcoming in neoliberal phenomenon- based epistemology, i.e., its failure to conceive human nature from a holistic viewpoint. In a society where neoliberalism forms the basis of the economic system, the perception of humans as an incarnation of individual desires may be valid within the logic of social sciences but falls short of promoting social integration and co-existence. In order to solve the problems with the existence characterized by cut-throat competition driven by desires, one must analyze René Descartes’ conception of the modern subject—a concept which Hayek has deemed as problematic. Then, this study explores an alternative to the problems of neoliberal individualism through the works of Paul Ricoeur, a Protestant religious philosopher. I start with accepting Ricoeur’s sense of the selfhood that cannot be denied from the modern subject. My discussion then clarifies the undeniable selfhood within the modern subject, whose existence is defined as “cogito” (thinking), followed by my argument that ego, as the basis of a thinking subject, is a foundation for striving toward a good life and a just system.

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This paper was written with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea.