1. The Big Picture
Collectivism and Individualism are the foundations upon which many ideologies are based.
In order to explore Ideology, we must understand the fundamental principles of Collectivism and Individualism

2. Collectivism and Individualism
The emergence of individualism in European societies was a process that took several centuries. And while individualism eventually came to predominate in many societies, it has never supplanted collectivism entirely.
The two tendencies have existed side by side in a sometimes uneasy relationship that has shaped societies in the past and continues to shape societies today.

3. A Journey: Collectivism to Individualism
The Medieval Period (circa 476 to the Renaissance)
With the collapse of the Roman Empire in 476 CE, Europe was thrown into chaos
Over time, order was restored in small areas under the guidance of local warlords
Common people were provided structure and physical security in exchange for loyalty and service to their lords
The individual life had very little worth
By 800 CE, most of Europe had converted to Christianity under the Roman Catholic Church
During the Medieval period people in Europe fit into distinct social categories
What mattered was how you fit into your group—not your individual identity

4. A Journey: Collectivism to Individualism
The Renaissance (circa 1450 to 1650)
A greater interest in the individual
A renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman culture. European scholars revived classical ideas about the central importance of life in this world, man’s central role in the world, and the appreciation of the worth of the individual
These ideas took hold in the city-states of Italy and quickly changed the thinking and the focus of influential people in Europe
Painters began to study nature and the world around them
Individual artists became known
Humans [the individual] could remake their worlds and be the authors of their own fates

5. A Journey: Collectivism to Individualism
The Protestant Reformation (circa 1500 to 1650)
Partially a product of the growing influence of the Renaissance focus on the potential of the individual
Contributed to the growth of individualism by challenging the authority of the dominant Roman Catholic Church
After the printing press was assembled by Johannes Gutenberg around 1439, the Bible could be translated into many languages and distributed to many more people. In this way, people who could read began to explore, consider, and interpret their faith on a more personal level.

6. Understandings of Individualism (Liberalism, Capitalism, Democracy)
Rule of Law
Self interest
Economic Freedom
Understandings of Individualism (Liberalism, Capitalism, Democracy)
Individual rights and freedoms
Competition
Private property

7. Early Understandings and Development
After the Medieval Period, was a period known as the Renaissance (circa ); during this time, individuality became more important.
Influences from Ancient Greek culture helped to shape worldviews as people resisted the notion that they were “stuck” in a hierarchy ruled by God.
A notion of human potential focused on ideals such as strength, beauty, and reason of individual humans
The Protestant Reformation (circa ) also contributed to growing individualistic ideals by challenging the authority of the Roman Catholic Church.

8. (Classical Liberalism)
PRINCIPLES OF
INDIVIDUALSIM
(Classical Liberalism)

9. No person is above the law; all people are equal under the law
Rule Of Law
No person is above the law; all people are equal under the law
Must be clearly defined rules that make up the law, not arbitrary decisions made by “higher powers”
States that if two people commit the same crime, they should receive the same punishment.
This is why in a democracy, the judicial branch is separate from the other branches; the executive cannot manipulate the law to its own advantage.
Judges free from political control

10. Rule of Law continued...
Essentially, individual rights express to what degree individualism can be maintained
To what extent an individual can live, and direct their life according to their own desires
Strong individual rights protect a person’s ability to conduct themselves in any way they see fit
HOWEVER, the rights of others cannot be trampled in this process. ...more on this later!

11. Individual rights and Freedoms
Include rights such as freedom of religion, freedom of association, the right to life, liberty and the security of the person.
In liberal democracies, an important right is the franchise, or right to vote. (see exceptions throughout history, pg 72)

12. In Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms is in place to ensure that rights and freedoms are protected; however, these rights can be limited by “such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.”
This means that there are laws that prohibit the promotion of hatred and/or discrimination – thus limiting freedom of expression
Example: hate propaganda

13. Ten factors to consider:
Economic Freedom
The freedom to buy what you want and to sell your labour, idea, or product to whomever you wish
Ten factors to consider:
In 2008, Canada was 10th on the list due to the fact that the Canadian government intervenes in the economy to create stability.
The economy in Canada is known as welfare capitalism due to modifications made after the Great Depression of the 1930s
Business freedom
Investment freedom
Trade freedom
Financial freedom
Fiscal (tax) freedom
Property rights
Degree of government regulation
Freedom from corruption
Monetary freedom
Labour freedom

14. Self-interest and Competition
“That which is common to the greatest number has the least care bestowed upon it. Everyone thinks chiefly of his own, hardly at all of the common interest; and only when he is himself concerned as an individual.” -- Aristotle
Decisions should be made free from govt. control.
In “laissez faire economics”, the government should adopt a “hands off” policy when it comes to economic decisions.
Competition and profit motive find the most efficient and innovative methods of production.
Individuals can best achieve their goals if they are allowed to have private ownership.

15. Adam Smith: Self-interest and competition
Believed the economy would regulate itself if left alone. (Laissez Faire)
Believed those that fail to compete fail to survive. (profit motive)
The “invisible hand”: in working in their own self-interest, individuals will inadvertently benefit all of society; the market will solve all basic economic questions.
If people work to benefit themselves, competition among producers ensures that the best product will be made at the lowest possible price due to the forces of supply and demand
If consumers are sovereign, supply and demand will dictate the natural flow of the market.
Father of the Market system and author of
“The Wealth of Nations”

16. Private Property
The first private property laws said to have been established in 24BC in Mesopotamia when the ruler, Urukagina, stated that no one could seize another’s property.
The principle that no one can be denied the right to accumulate or trade valued items that are not in the property of others.
Private property includes the right of use, which allows any owner to utilize their property in any preferred manner as long as it does not violate the rights of those around them.
It also includes the right of disposal, which allows the owner to discard their property or transfer the ownership to another.
Finally, private property includes the right to income, which is the right to use your property as a source of profit. This could include selling, leasing or renting.

17. Modern understandings of private property developed during the Enlightenment; at first understood only to apply to land, but later expanded to include other forms of physical possession and intellectual property (artistic works, inventions, etc)
Perceptions of land ownership have caused clashes between some groups. For example, some Aboriginal groups believe that land cannot be owned, but is rather shared and a gift from nature.
Debates also arise regarding intellectual property as actual “ownership” is often hard to determine, and even when specified, often not respected.
See examples on pgs How does file sharing relate to the principle of individualism?
Do questions 1 and 3, page 77.