Socialism

Question 1

when did socialism emerge and why

Answer 1

During the 19th century Industrial Revolution, as a reaction against capitalist economic inequality.

Question 2

What is the central aim of socialism?

Answer 2

to distribute wealth and power evenly across the population.

Question 3

Who are the key founders of socialism?

Answer 3

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, authors of the Communist Manifesto.

Question 4

What did Rosa Luxemburg emphasize in socialism?

Answer 4

The importance of democracy and revolution.

Question 5

What is a fundamental principle of socialism?

Answer 5

Economic equality through fair wealth and resource distribution.

Question 6

What does socialism advocate regarding ownership?

Answer 6

Common ownership of production means, rather than private ownership.

Question 7

How does socialism address social inequalities?

Answer 7

By striving to eliminate class, race, and gender discrimination.

Question 8

How is decision-making structured in socialism?

Answer 8

Through democratic control by the people, not a select elite.

Question 9

What are two main variations of socialism?

Answer 9

Democratic socialism (peaceful reform) and revolutionary socialism (overthrowing capitalism).

Question 10

Marx and engels Human Nature Philosophy

Answer 10

• Human nature was originally fraternal and altruistic.
• This has been tainted by capitalism, instilling the false consciousness of bourgeois values.
• Revolutionary socialism will repair this.

Question 11

Marx and engels and The state

Answer 11

• Existing liberal-bourgeois state is a tool of the dominant capitalist class.
• It must be destroyed by revolution and replaced by a new socialist state: the dictatorship of the proletariat

Question 12

Marx and engels and Society

Answer 12

• Capitalist society is sickeningly and fatally defined by class conflict.
• A communist society will be the inevitable end of history after historical materialism realises itself.

Question 13

Marx and engels and the Economy

Answer 13

• Capitalism is corrupt, inefficient and ultimately self-destructive and unstable.
• It should and will be replaced by an economy based on collective ownership.

Question 14

Rosa Luxemburg and Human nature

Answer 14

• Human Nature has not been damaged to the extent Marx describes.
• Fraternity and altruist still flourish in working class communities punished by capitalist economics

Question 14

Rosa Luxemburg and the State

Answer 14

• The existing capitalist state must be destroyed by revolution, but a revolution arising from strike action.
• The replacement state should be a genuine democracy, complete with free speech and free elections.

Question 15

Rosa Luxemburg and society

Answer 15

• Capitalist society is class-ridden and morally indefensible, yet alternative societies exist within downtrodden proletarian communities.

Question 16

Rosa Luxemburg and the Economy

Answer 16

Capitalism is more resilient than Marx allowed.

Its necessary destruction, and replacement by an economy based on workers’ control will require determination and solidarity among the proletariat