The Main Elements of the Social Project in the Ideology of Liberalism: Egoism, Antagonism, Laissez-Faire, Progress and the Invisible Hand

The article examines the ways of interpreting social processes in the minds of modern people. Analyzing existing interpretations of current events is crucial for developing realistic responses to the challenges of modernity, particularly in the face of global threats. The Enlightenment-era concepts, emphasizing individualistic reason, sensualism, and the rejection of prejudice, play a pivotal role. They formed the core of the currently prevailing liberal ideology. Central to this ideology are conceptions of a naturally correct social structure, collectively constituting the early modern European social project. The main elements of this program are five principles that are closely interconnected. Firstly, this is egoism, inextricably linked with amoralism. Then – rivalry, designated by Kant as “antagonism”. The third principle is laissez-faire, a policy of non-interference in the economy by the state, while the latter is recognized as necessary as a tool for ensuring “rights”. The fourth point is progress, as the confidence that economic growth will create conditions for solving any existing problems in the future. The fifth and most important principle is reliance on the “invisible hand”, which is called upon to guarantee the functioning of the entire system as a whole as a result of omnipotent self-regulation, faith in which is transformed into a quasi-religion.