From Collection to Collective: Institutional Conditions for the Organic State

The Sciences of Ethics and Political Philosophy Reading Group will get together on 19 December at 16:00 [WET] to discuss a paper by Alexander Schaefer e John B. Horowitz (forthcoming), “From Collection to Collective: Institutional Conditions for the Organic State”. This session will have the confirmed presence of the first author.

Abstract

Despite its prominence in the history of political thought, the analogy between states and organisms has fallen into disrepute. Recent advances in evolutionary theory, however, provide powerful reasons for reconsidering the viability of this analogy. The Price equation, a model drawn from theoretical biology, identifies specific conditions that facilitate the transition from a collection of individuals to a collective organism. It thereby provides a powerful framework for resolving the longstanding debate in political theory between those who view states as cohesive organisms with a “general will” and critics who emphasize individuals’ competing interests. Our analysis suggests that organic theory can resist the main criticisms offered by methodological individualists. Although organic theory is not applicable to modern states, it may prove useful when applied to sub-national entities.

Anyone interested in participating can send an email to Filipe Faria: filipefaria@fcsh.unl.pt.

The Sciences of Ethics and Political Philosophy Reading Group is an international monthly-assembling online reading group co-hosted by the CFCUL and the Ethics and Political Philosophy Lab (EPLab) of the IFILNOVA. More information about the group here.