Socialism and human nature Flashcards
(11 cards)
Key areas of agreement/ disagreement over human nature in socialism
-Human nature as positive and malleable.
-Necessity of overthrowing capitalism to realise human nature.
-Can humans progress through capitalism and class division?
What do revolutionary socialists perceive human nature as being?
Altruistic, cooperative, collective.
Whose needs do revolutionary socialists believe are the most important?
Society’s, rather than individuals, as a result of HN being altruistic.
What did Luxemburg believe in terms of collectivism?
Belief in workers’ strikes and mass action
How does Luxemburg believe capitalism impacts human nature? (2 key points)
Twists it to make people selfish; Marx and Engels describe ‘false consciousness’.
Communities are put against each other, rather than working together; capitalism inhibits human potential.
What agreement is there between democratic socialists and revolutionary socialists on HN?
Belief in common humanity and the intrinsic cooperative nature of people.
What do they believe must happen to capitalism for human nature to flourish?
Reformed to make more human; capitalism doesn’t warp human nature and hence doesn’t need to be overthrown.
How can capitalism allow positive human nature?
Gradual reforms will allow altruism, cooperation to flourish within a capitalist framework;
How does the Third Way view differ?
More individualistic; Giddens’ belief to equip people to succeed in a competitive economy- less collectivist.
What do the Third Way perceive human nature as being?
Rational and able to conduct free will.
How can human nature exist within capitalism?
Tools to encourage human potential and a push for small measures within capitalism to realise human potential. Overhaul is unnecessary.
