Collectivism defined

Abstract

Since the Enlightenment, political theorists of opposing traditions have counterposed individualism against collectivism and the value of freedom against that of egalitarianism. Individualists have argued that what they see as the most cherished human value — freedom — can only be secured and protected under a political system founded on individualism and an economic system based on the free-market principles of liberalism. Political and economic life under such conditions is to be governed by competition free from state interference; the role of government is to be reduced to a minimum; conduct is to be governed by a clear and limited body of law designed to protect the freedom of the individual.