Three Theories of Individualism

This thesis traces versions of the theory of individualism by three major theorists, John Locke, John Stuart Mill and John Dewey, as they criticize existing social, cultural, economic, legal and military conditions of their times. I argue that each theorist modifies the theory of individualism to best suit their understanding of human nature, adapting it where they can and outright removing aspects where they cannot. Based upon each thinker\u27s conception of human nature, their corresponding theory of individualism does justice to that nature. With their view of individualism, each thinker criticizes the activities of their day for its lack of justice to human nature for the bulk of humanity. I examine each thinker\u27s concrete conditions, their theory of human nature, theory of justice and their corresponding theory of individualism. In the first three chapters, I examine first Locke\u27s, then Mill\u27s then Dewey\u27s theory of human nature, justice and individualism. In my final chapter, I critically examine each thinker\u27s theory of individualism and find that John Dewey\u27s is most adequate for our current social conditions. Locke\u27s individualism was a criticism of the absolute rule of aristocratic Land-owners and was an attempt to undermine the conceptual basis for their continued power. John Stuart Mill\u27s individualism was a criticism of John Locke\u27s individualism insofar as majoritarianism had taken root in England and resulted in the Tyranny of the Majority. Therefore Mill gave high value to the sanctity of the individual even in disagreement with the overwhelming majority. Dewey\u27s theory of individualism largely was a criticism of widespread poverty and abuse of political power in America during the Great Depression. laissez faire economics, combined with cut-throat competitiveness and atomistic individualism had resulted in pervasive injustice and Dewey recommended recognition of our inter-connectedness and continuity rather than our separateness. While I believe Dewey\u27s theory of individualism to be most fit for our current social setting, even his theory suffers from problems yet to be worked out. I lay out these problems in the final chapter and conclude with remarks on what needs yet to be done