Abstract
This chapter examines the metaphysical, epistemological, ethical, and political implications of two opposite approaches to the organization of human society: individualism and collectivism. Individualism asserts that every individual is sovereign and grants the right of every individual in society to pursue his or her own rational self-interest without violating others’ rights, whereas collectivism advocates the subordination of the individual to the group. True individualism has yet to be realized, for even in contemporary societies that stress its ideals, individualism is increasingly compromised by the intrusion of collectivistic premises. It is argued that collectivism results in a dystopian society like that described by the philosopher Ayn Rand in Atlas Shrugged.
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© 2011 Donelson R. Forsyth and Crystal L. Hoyt
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Locke, E.A. (2011). Individualism, Collectivism, Leadership, and the Greater Good. In: Forsyth, D.R., Hoyt, C.L. (eds) For the Greater Good of All. Jepson Studies in Leadership. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230116269_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230116269_6
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York
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