O CONCEITO DE INDIVIDUALISMO METODOLÓGICO EM HAYEK REVISITADO

Abstract

Hayek proposed, all along his career, that the methodological individualism approach is the most adequate method for the social sciences. However, his work on the issue is a source of ambiguities, which offered challenges to the interpreters of his writings. This paper seeks to present an assessment of the constitution of the Hayekian individual, based upon his theory of the formation of perceptions and the problem of knowledge, both proposed by the austrian author. It is argued that the association of these two approaches allows a clearer understanding of the concept of individualism, as Hayek conceived it. In addition, this paper tries to single out some limitations faced by his individualist proposal, fitting it in the background of the analytical intentions of the author.