Human Nature Flashcards
What ideas are discussed in common humanity?
(Overall positive view of human nature)
- Naturally Social Beings. skills are learnt socially. Individuals cannot be separated from society and cannot be self-sufficient. Behaviour of individuals is only understood in relation to others.
- Human behaviour is shaped by environment, particularly economic position. Nature changes according to personal experiences, especially due to social and historical circumstances.
- Naturally cooperative. Humans have potential for social development and personal growth.
- Like Liberals, Socialists believe in Rationalism & Reason and human nature is not fixed. We are intelligent enough to progress to a better world for all, done largely on a collectivist basis.
What is the Marxist view on Human Nature?
- Human behaviour is entirely due to historical circumstances, particularly with regard the type of economic activity engaged in. - - Hunter gatherers, slaves, peasants and industrial workers could all be expected to behave differently as a result of the differing economic circumstances they find themselves in
- Equally beliefs and behaviour of the proletariat will vary with the aristocracy/capitalist class.
- Criticised this for being too deterministic and ignoring born behaviours
What is the view of Social Democrats on Human Nature?
- Social Democrats agree with but are less deterministic than Marxists.
- Capable of altering their behaviour, without economic change.
- Capable of adopting more humane, ethical, cooperative and altruistic behaviours ( natural behaviours) within capitalist economic framework, though not easy, as against the dominant societal trends, made easier if the state implements a legal and political framework that aids in this process.
What is he Third Way view on Human Nature?
- Less optimistic about human nature and somewhat more individualistic than the approaches associated with Marxism and Social Democracy.
- They believe in a mixture of competition and cooperation. In many respects, it has similarities to a Modern Liberal view of human nature.
What are the 3 benefits of Cooperation?
Moral – morals contribute to the common good, strengthen society, shared sense of social responsibility, trust and solidarity
Economic – greater efficiency. all of society working together, economy creates wealth that can benefit all. Socialists believe humans inability to cooperate limits what we can achieve
Equality – allows all to have an equal voice in matters. prevents the domination of society by a small number of individuals.
What are the overall socialist views on Cooperation?
Emphasis on cooperation over competition. If competition prevails
society will become dysfunctional. Competition is damaging to the social nature of humans - Won’t function in an acceptable manner in a competitive atmosphere
What are the Marxist views on Cooperation?
The individualism promoted by capitalism will always undermine attempts at cooperation, only under communism will cooperation truly flourish, once we have shifted to a far more collectivist means of running society.
What are Social Democrat views on cooperation?
Trade unions, co-operatives, political parties etc all enhance cooperation. Organisations are run on a collective basis, all can vote on matters through meetings etc
Webb and Crosland, believe that these can offset negative behavioural traits promoted by capitalism, though will not be easy under capitalism that promotes individualism and competition
What are Third Way views on Human Nature?
Criticised individualism associated with neo-liberalism and the New Right, promotes egotistical behaviour. Individuals are autonomous, but rely on each other to flourish.
Believe individuals should have responsibilities + rights. There’s a need for greater individual responsibilities - not recognised by traditional social democrats and neo-liberals. Accept competition within a free market economy, and a greater support for an individualistic meritocracy. Care less about cooperation than the others.
What are Agreements on Fraternity?
Social Democrats + Marxists believe capitalism promotes competition rather than fraternity. Undermine any attempts at genuine fraternity.
Socialism is ethically superior because it favours fraternity. Socialist bodies would educate people in the virtues of fraternity, to counter capitalist tendencies/ propaganda , in order to create a socialist society and reconnect people with their natural behaviours.
Important to all socialists to reduce possibility of war and to unite socialist forces against the international problems associated with capitalism across the globe.
What are the Social Democrat opinions on Fraternity?
Political parties, trade-unions, cooperatives, working-men’s clubs, mutual aid and friendly societies support fraternity. Had effect of protecting working-class interests and social security. Delivered a range of benefits to working class people when the private sector wouldn’t.
At the economic level, the trade-unions can foster a spirit of solidarity, unity, and comradeship between workers. Highly supportive of interventionist welfare state which encourages fraternity since involves advantaged sections of society paying higher taxes to benefit the less advantaged in society.
What are the Marxist opinions on Fraternity?
Greed, competition and individualism fostered by capitalism will undermine attempts at fraternity. Under communism will fraternity happen. People will have the chance and opportunity to work together in a far more harmonious and cooperative environment.
What are the Third way opinions on Fraternity?
Supportive of competition and individualism, as is integral to free market economics. Also supported an enabling welfare state which indicates support for fraternity, due to a belief in helping the socially marginalised achieve more highly within the free market economy and wider society.
