The article discusses the complexities surrounding individualism, noting conflicting perspectives on its role in society. Critics associate individualism with social issues such as loneliness and a lack of community, while proponents argue for its necessity in celebrating personal choice and diversity. The exploration reveals how individualism is not just a political or economic stance but deeply ingrains societal understanding of identity and personal worth, influenced by figures like Hobbes and Locke, and its ramifications are evident across religion and culture in modern society.
Opponents of 'radical' or 'rampant' or 'hyper-' individualism argue that this ideology is not only at the root of many of our social problems, but also undermines any attempt to make things better.
In the modern West, individualism takes on many forms... the social contract theory of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke treats society as originating from an agreement of free, self-interested persons.
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