To what extent do socialists agree over human nature?

Question 1

para 1 - agree

Answer 1

All socialists agree that total capitalism is negative for human nature. These are the pivotal ideas of Marx and Engel, who argue that capitalism alienated workers from the fruit of their labour as well as their capabilities and potential. This is shared by more modern socialists like Anthony Crosland, who also argue that more government intervention is needed

Question 2

para 1 - disagree

Answer 2

The extent of how the economy should be change to benefit human nature is disputed. Whilst Marx and Engels, Webb and Luxemburg believe that capitalism is corrupting force for humanity, more modern socialists like Crosland believe that a mixed economy like the policies of Keynes would be much more suitable for the individual and the community. Furthermore, Anthony Giddens rejects any state intervention seeing the free market as the most efficient system of production in which everyone can reach their maximum potential

Question 3

para 2 - agree

Answer 3

All socialists agree that humans are innately good, but have been corrupted. Marx and Engels believe that humans are social and economic beings, but their natural consciousness had been changed to create greed rather than selflessness. This view is shared by both Luxemburg and Webb who to agree that humans are innately good, but have simply been corrupted.

Question 4

para 2 - disagree

Answer 4

Although Marx and Engels would argue that human nature has been made inherently selfish by capitalism, more modern socialists like Anthony Crosland would argue that humans are innately fair, and therefore against huge inequalities of outcome.

Question 5

para 3 - agree

Answer 5

All socialists believe that change is necessary in order for human nature to improve and for humans to reach their full potential. Marx and Engels find agreement with Luxemburg that the removal of capitalism and revolution to remove the elites in society is necessary in order fir human nature to advance

Question 6

para 3 - disagree

Answer 6

This is a view that is not shared by Webb, Crosland and Giddens. Webb believes violent revolution would only compound the damage done to human psyche by capitalism, and that instead gradually change is necessary. Giddens on the other hand also agrees that gradual change is needed, although he points to a need for community and responsibility to offset the negative effects of the free market