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Instinct, Tradition and Reason

£62.99

Instinct, Tradition and Reason

The Moral Philosophy of F.A. Hayek

By: Jules Goddard

£62.99

"What has made men good is neither nature nor reason, but tradition." Building upon FA Hayek’s concepts, this timely book creates a compelling account of the moral foundations of human achievement and articulates a morality fit for the unique times in which we are living.

"What has made men good is neither nature nor reason, but tradition." This provocative maxim of FA Hayek contests any system of ethics centred upon…

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£62.99

£62.99

Author: Jules Goddard ISBN: 1-0364-5699-4 Category: Social Sciences, Philosophy, Philosophy

“What has made men good is neither nature nor reason, but tradition.”

This provocative maxim of FA Hayek contests any system of ethics centred upon concepts of virtue, duty, or consequence. It argues instead that custom is a surer and wiser guide in matters of morality than either intellect or instinct.

This timely book builds upon Hayek’s concepts of spontaneous order, catallaxy, and the fatal conceit to create a compelling account of the moral foundations of human achievement.

In doing so, it articulates a morality fit for the unique times in which we are living.

Dr Jules Goddard MA (Oxford, UK), MBA (Pennsylvania, USA), MA Philosophy by Research (Buckingham, UK), PhD (London, UK) has served as Gresham Professor of Commerce, Fellow of London Business School, Visiting Professor at the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées, Paris, France, and Unilever Distinguished Scholar, University of New South Wales, Australia. He is the author of “Uncommon Sense, Common Nonsense: Why Some Organisations Consistently Outperform Others” (2012) and “Letting Go of Logic: The Renewal of Creativity” (2024), and the co-author of “Business Experimentation” (2021), and “Mavericks” (2022). He is a member of the Council of the Royal Institute of Philosophy.

Hardback

ISBN: 1-0364-5699-4
ISBN13: 978-1-0364-5699-3
Date of Publication: 2025-09-12

Ebook

ISBN: 1-0364-5700-1
ISBN13: 978-1-0364-5700-6
Date of Publication: 2025-09-12

Category: Social Sciences, Philosophy, Philosophy

Pages: 104

Subject Codes:

BIC: HP, HPQ, HPS
THEMA: QD, QDTQ, QDTS

Pages: 104

"This remarkable book traces how human morality has evolved, using the insights of F.A. Hayek. At the same time, it looks ahead to a future where artificial intelligence may shape—and be shaped by—its own forms of moral reasoning. As AI agents begin to interact with each other and with us, the book invites a fresh look at the values we take for granted. It offers a powerful reminder that our ethical frameworks may soon need to change. Thoughtful, timely, and deeply relevant."
- François Ortalo-Magné, Dean & CEO, 2017-2024, London Business School, UK
"Hayek is an important and nowadays a somewhat neglected thinker. Those who admire him think that he puts his finger on many of the rationalistic delusions still holding us captive in the 21st century. Goddard shows how Hayek comes to this conclusion with his evolutionary account of human value systems and social orders as unplanned. Goddard examines Hayek's insistence on the importance of spontaneous order in the development of our (or any) civilisation. This study of Hayek is valuable not just in expounding and defending Hayek's views, but in confronting the problematic relationship Hayek's thought has with human reason. The comparisons Goddard draws between Hayek and Popper, Nozick, Scruton and Kitcher will also help us to understand and evaluate Hayek's own unique contribution to social and economic thinking."
- Anthony O’Hear, OBE, Professor of Philosophy, University of Buckingham, UK
"Goddard offers a powerful and gripping account of Hayek’s moral philosophy, making a compelling case for taking it seriously. He acknowledges difficulties and inconsistencies, proposes insightful repairs, and contributes meaningfully to its broader ethical vision. Essential reading for anyone interested in Hayek as a philosopher and written with Goddard’s characteristic clarity and generosity."
- Fiona Ellis, Professor of Philosophy, University of Nottingham, UK

Meet The Author

Jules Goddard

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