core ideas of socialism

Question 1

overall view on human nature

Answer 1

optimistic, progressive
naturally co-operative, generous, altruistic so naturally seek solidarity and fraternity

Question 2

difference with liberals on optimistic human nature

Answer 2

liberals - optimistic on nature as it is
socialism- how it could be
unlike in liberalism - human nature is malleable

Question 3

overall view on society

Answer 3

importance of social class
as this defines circumstances and attitudes and shapes ones priorities
equality is meaningless without equality of outcome
emphasis on social justice (legal and formal justice is not enough) e.g. healthcare, wage
this case leads to the case for collectivism

Question 4

overall view on the economy

Answer 4

collective ownership - better alternative to private property and capitalism
greater workers control in employment
rejection of laissez fair capitalism

Question 5

examples of economic collectivism

Answer 5

progressive taxation
progressive public spending
common ownership e.g. Labour Clause IV
nationalisation post war e.g. coal and steel industries

Question 6

benefits of economic collectivism

Answer 6

fraternal, cooperative society with social justice
Marx and Engels - capitalism and market forces are volatile and unpredictable causing periodic mass unemployment

Question 7

overall view of the state

Answer 7

actively directing the economy
strong state
marxists argue it will eventually wither away
against the state that preceded the enlightenment

Question 8

two types of socialism

Answer 8

fundamentalist
revolutionist

Question 9

fundamentalist socialists

Answer 9

capitalism must be abolished (gradually or revolutionary?)