Insights from Hayek's The Fatal Conceit: "Natural Man Unsuited to the Extended Order"(Chapter 1 )
Beyond Instinct: Why "Natural Man" is Unfit for Modern Civilization
In the section titled "Natural Man Unsuited to the Extended Order" from Friedrich Hayek's The Fatal Conceit, Hayek explores the concept that human instincts, which evolved in primitive conditions, are not equipped to manage the complexities of modern civilization. This section is crucial for understanding why Hayek argues that the extended order—represented by large, impersonal societies and market economies—cannot rely on the instincts and behaviors that were suited to smaller, simpler social structures.
Understanding the Extended Order
The "extended order" refers to the complex, spontaneous system of human cooperation that has evolved over time, characterized by large-scale societies and market economies. Unlike the small, close-knit groups where human instincts such as solidarity and altruism are sufficient, the extended order operates through abstract rules and traditions that allow for cooperation among millions of individuals, most of whom are strangers to each other. This order is not the product of human design but has emerged through cultural evolution, making it both intricate and robust.
Why "Natural Man Unsuited to the Extended Order" Matters
Hayek’s exploration of "Natural Man Unsuited to the Extended Order" is critical because it underscores the inherent limitations of human instincts in guiding behavior within modern, complex societies. He argues that while these instincts were beneficial for survival in small, close-knit groups, they are inadequate for managing the vast, interconnected systems that define contemporary civilization. This insight is essential to grasp why Hayek believes that instinct-driven moralities, often idealized by socialists, are incompatible with the needs of a large-scale, market-based society.
Hayek contends that the extended order, which supports modern civilization, requires adherence to abstract rules and traditions that go beyond our natural instincts. These learned behaviors are necessary for managing the intricate interactions and vast networks that make up today's global societies. By understanding the limitations of natural man, readers can better appreciate Hayek’s argument for why attempts to return to or idealize simpler, instinct-driven societies are not only impractical but also dangerous for sustaining the complexities of modern life.
Key Concepts from "Natural Man Unsuited to the Extended Order"
Inadequacy of Instinctual Behavior: Human instincts, evolved in small, primitive groups, are not suited to managing the complexities of large, modern societies. These instincts often conflict with the abstract rules necessary for the extended order.
The Artificiality of Modern Civilization: Hayek argues that modern civilization is "artificial" in the sense that it is not a product of our natural instincts but of learned rules and traditions that have evolved over time.
The Need for Abstract Rules: The extended order requires adherence to abstract rules, such as respect for property rights and contracts, which go beyond instinctual behaviors and are essential for managing large-scale societies.
The Danger of Idealizing Primitive Societies: Hayek warns against the romanticization of primitive societies and instinct-driven behaviors, as these are inadequate for sustaining the complex structures of modern civilization.
The Role of Competition in the Extended Order: Competition, guided by abstract rules rather than instinct, is essential for discovering new possibilities and adapting to the complexities of modern life.
Detailed Explanation of Each Point with Supporting Evidence
Inadequacy of Instinctual Behavior:
Evidence: Hayek discusses the conflict between instinctual behaviors, such as solidarity and altruism, and the abstract rules necessary for managing large societies. He points out that while these instincts served well in small groups, they become counterproductive in the context of larger social orders. An example of this can be seen in the historical difficulties faced by communal societies, such as the early American colonies that initially practiced collective farming. These societies struggled with food shortages and inefficiencies until they transitioned to a system of private property and individual responsibility, which led to improved productivity and sustainability (Hayek 19-20).
The Artificiality of Modern Civilization:
Evidence: Hayek describes modern civilization as "artificial" because it relies on learned rules and traditions rather than instinctual behaviors. This artificiality is necessary to manage the complexities of large-scale societies. A historical example supporting this idea is the development of legal systems in ancient civilizations, such as the Code of Hammurabi in Babylon. These legal codes introduced abstract rules governing property rights, contracts, and social behavior, which were essential for the functioning of large, complex societies (Hayek 20-21).
The Need for Abstract Rules:
Evidence: The extended order relies on abstract rules such as property rights and contracts, which are essential for the cooperation of large groups of people who do not know each other personally. An example of this is the role of contract law in modern economies. The enforcement of contracts allows for the secure exchange of goods and services across vast distances and between strangers, facilitating trade and economic growth. The rise of international trade agreements, such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), further illustrates the importance of these abstract rules in sustaining global economic cooperation (Hayek 21-22).
The Danger of Idealizing Primitive Societies:
Evidence: Hayek warns against the romanticization of primitive societies, noting that their simplicity and instinct-driven behaviors are inadequate for sustaining complex modern civilizations. This argument is supported by the challenges faced by utopian communities, such as the Shakers or the Oneida Community, which attempted to live according to idealized, communal principles. These communities often struggled with economic inefficiencies and social discord, leading to their eventual decline, demonstrating the limitations of primitive or instinct-driven social orders in complex societies (Hayek 22).
The Role of Competition in the Extended Order:
Evidence: Hayek argues that competition, guided by abstract rules rather than instinct, is essential for discovering new possibilities and adapting to the complexities of modern life. The rapid technological advancements in the 20th century, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, provide evidence for this claim. Industries that operated in competitive markets, such as the steel and automobile industries, saw significant innovations and efficiencies as companies competed to improve their products and reduce costs. This competitive environment led to widespread economic growth and the improvement of living standards, illustrating the crucial role of competition in the extended order (Hayek 22-23).
Conclusion: The Necessity of Evolved Rules in Modern Society
The section "Natural Man Unsuited to the Extended Order" in The Fatal Conceit offers critical insights into the limitations of human instincts in guiding behavior within modern, complex societies. By understanding why our natural instincts are inadequate for sustaining the extended order, we can better appreciate the importance of the evolved rules and traditions that enable large-scale human cooperation. Hayek’s exploration of these themes underscores the dangers of idealizing primitive, instinct-driven societies and highlights the necessity of adhering to abstract rules for maintaining the stability and efficiency of modern civilization.