Socialism: Are Socialists United In Their View On Human Nature? Flashcards
(3 cards)
Agree paragraph 1: Human nature is malleable and humans are not naturally greedy or selfish
Revolutionary socialists: Human nature is influenced by conditions around them. Marx and Engels emphasised historical materialism, humans are influenced more by nurture than nature. Humans have potential but this potential is dependent on environment.
Social Democrats: Less radical as they believe a REFORMED CAPITALIST environment would support the cooperative nature of humans to achieve their goals so long as equality of outcome is maintained. Anthony crossland argued a capitalist reformed system where government intervenes with welfare and Keynesian economics would help achieve goals.
Agree 2: Humans are social creatures that seek cooperation but are restricted by capitalism.
Revolutionary socialists: Humans are naturally inclined to cooperation and collective effort which makes them altruistic. Karl Marx argued this has been ‘contaminated by greed’ which leads to his idea of a small state.
Social Democrats do believe capitalism is flawed and makes humans selfish. Beatrice webb argued that humans are inherently egotistical which can only be reversed through capitalist reform.
Disagree: The effects of capitalism on human nature.
Revolutionary socialists: under capitalism humans are competitive and selfish and are unable to achieve altruism as they are exploited by the bourgeoisie. Karl Marx argued that the proletariat are alienated from the product of their own labour “The alienation of man thus appeared as the fundamental evil of capitalist society”
Third Way socialists rejected the radicalism of revolutionary socialists, with ideas overlapping with neo-liberal views on human nature. They believe humans to be rational, self-interested and altruistic. Anthony Giddens opposed the view that capitalism corrupts people and a prosperous society can be achieved under a free market.
