To what extent do socialists agree about human nature?

Question 1

What do different branches of socialism broadly agree on?

Answer 1

They broadly agree on human nature.

Question 2

What is the general view of human nature among most socialist thinkers?

Answer 2

Most socialist thinkers have an optimistic view, believing individuals possess a common humanity and gravitate towards cooperation and sociability.

Question 3

How do socialists view the malleability of human nature?

Answer 3

Socialists believe that human nature is malleable, like plasticine, and is moulded for good or for bad by social circumstances.

Question 4

What negative effect do socialists attribute to unreformed capitalism?

Answer 4

Socialists argue that unreformed capitalism has a negative effect on human nature, indoctrinating selfish, individualistic, and greedy behavior.

Question 5

What do socialists believe about human rationality in creating society?

Answer 5

Socialists believe that humans are rationally capable of creating new forms of society and economy that can create ‘socialism’.

Question 6

Do socialists believe all individuals have identical abilities or needs?

Answer 6

No, socialists do not believe that all individuals have identical abilities or needs.

Question 7

What is a key disagreement among socialists regarding human nature?

Answer 7

There are noticeable disagreements and tensions between the different branches of socialism concerning human nature.

Question 8

What is Webb’s view on human nature?

Answer 8

Webb is the least optimistic key thinker on human nature, arguing that the working class lacked the rational and intellectual sophistication to take control of industry themselves and therefore required guidance by an intellectually superior and paternal middle class.

Question 9

What did Marx and Engels argue about capitalism’s effect on human nature?

Answer 9

Marx and Engels argued capitalism corrupted human nature to the extent that only a revolution and a communist society could restore a positive state of human nature.

Question 10

What was Crosland’s perspective on capitalism and human nature?

Answer 10

Crosland argued that capitalism was not as corrosive on human nature, suggesting that equality of opportunity and the reform of society and economy would lead to greater cooperation and fraternity.

Question 11

How did Giddens approach the understanding of human nature?

Answer 11

Giddens focused on communitarianism, which viewed human nature from both an individual and a communal sense.