Socialism Flashcards
(52 cards)
What was the origins of the enlightenment
The enlightenment
What is the overall view of human nature
Positive
Liberals believe in equality of opportunity, what is it that socialists believe in
Equality of outcome
Who were the levellers
All about levelling the playing field
Argued god has given the land to ALL of mankind and yet some had used this as greed and acquired the land for themselves
What did the so called utopian socialists Charles Fourier and Robert Owen do
Created independent communities based on communal ownership and production and equal distribution of resources and a culture of tolerance and permissiveness
What major event in history where socialist ideas began to be taken seriously
The industrial revolution
Name four socialist fundamental principles
1) equality of outcome is more important than individual liberty
2) state must provide welfare so that all can prosper
3) state should own means of production
4) comradeship- strong collective organisations eg trade unions
What is comradeship
Looking out for your brother
Describe socialist view of human nature
- optimistic
- individuals are naturally cooperative, generous and altruistic
- comradeship
- human nature is something malleable rather than permanently
- fixed they are optimistic about how it could be in the future
What for socialists was the major consequence of the industrial revolution
The emergence of distinct classes
What is the socialist view on society
- argue that an individuals status, priorities and prospects are all shaped by the social class he or she is born into
- egalitarian doctrine= equality of society and equal society
Give an example of equality of outcome
affirmative action
What is the main priority of socialism
What will be the consequence of not achieving this
- to narrow the gap between rich and poor
Consequence:
Society will continue to lack fraternity, cooperation and solidarity and instead will foster greed, envy, resentment and division
What do socialists believe in as opposed to common ownership
Private property and capitalism
How do socialists see the economy
- One that provides greater workers control in employment and
- Politics of Robin Hood “taking from the rich and giving to the poor”
Principles:
- rejection of laissez faire capitalism
- greater collectivism
What is collectivism
State control
Common ownership
-progressive taxation- richer classes contribute more
- progressive public spending
-extensive state regulation of capitalism to prevent exploitation
Explain socialist views on the state
- strong state vital to create a fairer and more equal society
- decision making reflects equality and empowerment of the people
What does Marx argue about the state
The state will eventually wither away
This will lead to the end of history
What are the two broad categories of socialism
Fundamentalist socialism
Revisionist socialism
What do fundamentalist socialists believe in
Completely Against private ownership and capitalism
What is a revisionist socialist
Socialism can be achieved alongside private property and is compatible and can co-exist with capitalism
where do some fundamental socialists vary in views
some argue for revolutionary change destroying the capitalist economy and the state which supports it
others would gradually take down the structures of capitalism via evolutionary change within the confines of the existing state
what was the name of the first type of socialism to provide a detailed plan for the future
classical Marxism
what did karl marx argue capitalism promoted
exploitation
alienation
oppression
