This work investigates the intellectual lineage of Friedrich Hayek’s concept of spontaneous order by tracing its roots back to the thinkers of the Scottish Enlightenment. Christina Petsoulas examines how Hayek synthesized classical liberal traditions with his own theories on social evolution and market mechanisms. By analyzing the works of figures such as Adam Smith, Adam Ferguson, and David Hume, the author constructs a framework that situates Hayek’s economic philosophy within a broader historical and sociological context. The text argues that Hayek’s defense of the market is not merely an economic position but a deeply rooted philosophical stance on the nature of human knowledge and social coordination.

Scholars in the field of political economy frequently cite this text for its rigorous mapping of Hayek’s intellectual genealogy. Experts highlight the book as a necessary resource for those seeking to understand the philosophical underpinnings of modern classical liberalism.