Pragmatic Collectivism

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Do we individualists exaggerate when we condemn our ideological opponents as collectivists? That word isn't merely a term of abuse. It is a spot-on label for the political philosophy of those who would give government a prominent economic and social role. The philosophy holds that society (or some other group) is superior to the expendable individuals who comprise it and that government should act on its behalf. Government carries out the social will, which has little or nothing to do with the will of persons, since that only reflects narrow self-interest.

Collectivism can be detected in certain views on property and wealth. While much variation is possible, today's pragmatic …