MARCO DANTAS DA ROCHA

This work proposes an investigation of the foundations of Herbert Spencer's (1820-1903) evolutionary liberalism, especially his formulations regarding the nature and functions of the market and the State. Despite being the author of significant theoretical contributions to the liberalism of his time, Spencer ceased to be cited as a reference by 20th-century liberals. In light of this, it is expected that the examination of his naturalistic reflections on social development will serve a twofold purpose: first, to establish the connections between his evolutionary doctrine and the model of liberalism he advocates, in order to highlight ruptures, continuities, and inconsistencies in his thought; secondly, to provide tools for interpreting contemporary liberalism, especially regarding issues such as the limitation of state power, the role of private initiative in social progress, the ideological standardization of the world, and the possible directions of the market society. Along the way, notions dear to Spencer, such as freedom, justice, happiness, and rights, will also be discussed.