2008 Hayek Essay Topic
Question:
In The Constitution of Liberty Hayek says that "we are probably only at the threshold of an age in which the technological possibilities of mind control are likely to grow rapidly and what may appear at first as innocuous or beneficial powers over the personality of the individual will be at the disposal of government. The greatest threats to human freedom probably still lie in the future."1
Has Hayek's gloomy warning been borne out by events, or has technology become more a force for liberating people from government?
Prize Information
First prize: $2500 cash award + travel grant*
Second prize: $1500 cash award + travel grant*
Third prize: $1000 cash award + travel grant*
The Hayek Essay Contest is open to all individuals 35 years old or younger. Entrants should write a 5,000 word (maximum) essay. Essays are due on April 30, 2008 and winners will be announced on June 15, 2008. Essays should be submitted in English only. Electronic versions should be sent to: mps@heritage.org. Prize information and additional details are available from:
The Mont Pelerin Society
P.O. Box 7031
Alexandria, Virginia, 22307, USA
Or via email at www.montpelerin.org/contact.cfm.
*Travel grant includes coach class airfare to the Tokyo meeting, registration fee, and some meals. Hotel, food, and other expenses will be the responsibility of the attendee.
1) F.A. von Hayek, The Constitution of Liberty, Chicago University Press, 1978, p. 216 (Paperback edition)