Abstract

It is argued that Hayek's critique of social justice as well as the defense of his own conception of justice rest ultimately on his defense of a free society. The most that Hayek's argument can establish is that the concept of social justice is incompatible with a free society. ;I examine Hayek's conception of a free society and his own conception of justice. This supplies a basis for analyzing why the concept of social justice is incompatible with a free society. But this examination only exhibits the points where the concept of social justice and the conception of society associated with it conflict with a free society. It does not supply a justification for selecting one or the other. ;In order to decide between these alternative conceptions of justice it is necessary to examine Hayek's defense of a free society. I argue that epistemological considerations not only serve as important premises in his defense but also dictate the type of defense he offers. While a number of critics are dissatisfied with Hayek's defense, the type of defense they desire would be impossible given Hayek's epistemological theory