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Single Idea 20575

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 8. Socialism ]

Full Idea

Hayek argues that socialist economic equality can only be effectively put into practice by a strong, dictatorial government. Planning has to be imposed by force, and centralised economic power creates a dependency scarcely distingishable from slavery.

Gist of Idea

Socialist economics needs a very strong central power, virtually leading to slavery

Source

report of F.A. Hayek (The Road to Serfdom [1944]) by Johanna Oksala - Political Philosophy: all that matters Ch.7

Book Ref

Oksala,Johanna: 'Political Philosophy' [Hodder and Stoughton 2013], p.94


A Reaction

I don't see much sign of the post-war British Labour government being anything like this, even though they nationalised the railways and introduce a national health service. Hayek was mesmerised by Russia.