Socialism - Human Nature

Question 1

what kind of view do all socialists have on human nature?

Answer 1

positive view of human nature

Question 2

what kind of creatures do all socialists see people as?

Answer 2

social creatures - cooperative, sociable and rational

Question 3

why do all socialists believe humans are social creatures?

Answer 3

• based on socialist belief of collectivism

- only fraternity and groups can give true freedom

Question 4

what does socialists belief in collectivism link too?

Answer 4

social belief of common humanity - human behaviour socially determined by class

Question 5

what are humans naturally inclined to?

Answer 5

• naturally inclined to work together rather than compete

- produces best economic results

Question 6

what does working together lead to?

Answer 6

• working together allows humans to form connections

- leads to growth of society and the individual

Question 7

what did Marx and Engels rage about human nature?

Answer 7

• human nature was socially determined and can only truly be expressed under communism
• humans can achieve potential via creative cooperation

Question 8

according to Marx and Engels, how can trey human instincts be displayed?

Answer 8

true cooperative and communal instincts of humans can be liberated only by removal of exploitative capitalist system and creation of communist society

Question 9

how do Marx and genres seek to create communist society?

Answer 9

via a class revolution - abolish the state as we know it

Question 10

what does the state do according Marx and Engels?

Answer 10

• tool of Bourgeoisie for class oppression

- defends and acts in interest of capitalism

Question 11

what did Anthony Crossland argue for?

Answer 11

state managed capitalism

Question 12

what do social democrats think about human nature and capitalism?

Answer 12

• human nature can reach its potential even under capitalism
• provided that it is regulated by the state
• via welfare programmes

Question 13

what do social democrats recognise about the distribution of wealth?

Answer 13

distribution of wealth is unfair, capitalism is the main creator of wealth

Question 14

how are social democrats less optimistic about human nature?

Answer 14

• believe that whilst human nature is still positive, need some moral incentive
• morality is a still a driver, but less optimistic about human nature compared to revolutionaries