Socialsim- Basics

Question 1

What is socialism

Answer 1

When a population collectively owns and controls the means of production, and distributes the end result proportionality

In practise control usually delegated to the state, while distribution takes the form of underlying social welfare

Question 2

What is the aim of socialism

Answer 2

To guarantee a level playing field for those in society, thereby removing distinctions based on ownership

Question 3

What are the two main forms of socialism and their respective branches

Answer 3

Fundamentalist socialism: Revolutionary and Evolutionary socialism

Revisionist socialism: Social democracy and the 3rd way

Question 4

Name 2 aspects that Michael Freedman says makes a socialist

Answer 4

1. “Society is more than the individual”- contrast w/ individualistic beliefs of lib, cons
2. “Human welfare is a societal obj”

Question 5

Name 2 more…

Answer 5

3. “All humans are productive”- eg “to each according to his ability, to each according to his need”. If all humans are productive and contribute to society, they should be able to take what they need
4. ”humans are equal”- socialism, unlike capitalism creates equality which leads to freedom. People should not be subject to class inequality because of inherited wealth rather than talent/ ability

Question 6

Name 3 ways that socialism and liberalism are similar

Answer 6

1. Both take an optimistic view of human nature
2. Believe in the goodness of reform and challenging the status-quo
3. Share a desire to liberate humans from oppression

Question 7

Name 2 other ways lib. And soc. are similar

Answer 7

4. Both believe in “foundational equality”

5. Reject the traditional state

Question 8

Historically, how do liberalism and socialism differ

Answer 8

Liberalism’s core feature was a strong support for private property, which they consider to be a “natural right”, now we many argues that the principles of the enlightenment couldn’t be reconciled to private property.
Jean Jacques- Rousseau- “many crimes, wars and murder arose from priv. Prop”

Question 9

Why did socialism grow in pop.

Answer 9

During the mid-19th C. When the pace of industrialisation began to quicken dramatically. Many felt that the core principles of liberalism now offered an inadequate response to the changes wrought by the IR.

So socialists tired to make enlightenment principles like self-det. Possible in the IR