A comparative analysis of models of individualism within the Knowledge–Energy–Orientation triad
Subject. The article is devoted to the actualization of individualism as a natural ontology of the modern liberal economy. Objectives. The aim is to explore the possibility of realizing the real potential of the paradigm of individualism, which may have various forms of manifestation, and is positioning itself as a new, qualitatively integral and productive "being". Methods. The methodological perspective and disciplinary matrix of the study are based on the use of creative potential of the dialectic of "essence and phenomenon", as well as possibilities of logical and epistemological analysis of modern functional models of socio-economic development. The study also employs the content analysis of modern domestic and foreign sources. Results. The paper unveils that it is possible to verify the controversial judgment about the obsolescence of the neoliberal paradigm of methodological individualism, where it is necessary to distinguish the dysfunctional monetary-plutocratic form of individualism from the essence of individualism as such, which includes the far from realized creative potential of a possible new "being". An approximate outline of a new qualitative integrity of the individualistic concept is formed, where the spiritual-moral and value-semantic attractor becomes the "center of gravity". Conclusions. At present, individualism, as a natural ontology of modern liberal economy, needs to be significantly updated. The scientific and practical importance of the article’s provisions is an attempt to continue the discussion in the search for the most effective models of socio-economic development, to concretize the phenomenology of methodological individualism as an ontology of modern political economic analysis.