To what extent do socialists have a common view of human nature? (80:20 – substantially agree) Flashcards
(16 cards)
What do fundamentalists believe about human nature?
Fundamentalists believe humans are naturally cooperative and best fulfilled in collective settings.
Revolutionary socialists argue that human nature is inherently fraternal, altruistic, and fulfilled through collective action.
How do revolutionary socialists view capitalism?
Revolutionary socialists see capitalism as corrupting and alienating, arguing that under socialism, humans would return to their true social instincts.
They reject the idea that people are naturally selfish or individualistic.
What did Marx believe about human nature?
Marx believed that humans are ‘species beings’ – naturally social and creative – but capitalism distorts this through alienation.
He argued that people will flourish in a classless society where work is shared.
What is the stance of social democrats on human nature?
Social democrats agree that human nature is cooperative but propose less radical methods, accepting some capitalism while advocating for social justice.
They believe strong welfare and redistribution are necessary to bring out human cooperation.
What did Anthony Crosland believe about human motivation?
Anthony Crosland believed humans were motivated by community and fairness, and that social justice could be achieved by managing capitalism to reflect those natural instincts.
What is the general agreement among socialists regarding human nature?
Socialists generally agree that human nature is shaped by nurture, not fixed by biology.
What do Third Way socialists argue about human nature?
Third Way socialists argue that human nature is not fixed and can be shaped positively by education, opportunity, and social investment.
They reject both the pessimism of conservatives and the revolutionary idealism of Marxists.
What was Giddens’ view on the role of the state?
Giddens argued for a ‘social investment’ state, believing the government should provide tools like education and training to help people improve their lives.
How do democratic socialists view human behaviour?
Democratic socialists believe that people behave better when society encourages them through cooperation and solidarity, seeing the capitalist system as limiting but changeable.
What did Beatrice Webb believe about society’s evolution?
Beatrice Webb believed that society could evolve gradually toward socialism because people are capable of social responsibility when guided by a rational, expert-led state.
What is the disagreement among socialists regarding collectivism and individualism?
Socialists disagree on whether collectivism is essential for human fulfilment or if individual self-advancement can also be part of human nature.
What do Third Way socialists believe about individualism?
Third Way socialists believe individualism can be a positive and natural part of human behaviour, viewing personal ambition and competition as natural drivers of growth.
They argue that with the right social support, people can pursue their own interests and contribute to society. This belief stems from a view that human nature is dynamic and best supported through equal opportunity, not enforced equality of outcome.
What was Giddens’ belief regarding freedom and responsibility?
Giddens believed in balancing freedom with responsibility, emphasising that people are rational and capable of making choices that help society if given the right tools.
How do revolutionary socialists view individualism?
Revolutionary socialists strongly reject individualism, believing it is an illusion created by capitalism that destroys fraternity.
They argue that only a society built on shared ownership and goals allows human nature to shine.
What did Rosa Luxemburg argue about capitalism?
Rosa Luxemburg argued that capitalism represses our natural instinct for community and replaces it with egoism, claiming true fulfilment comes from collective control, not individual gain.
What is the main area of disagreement among socialists?
While most socialists agree that humans are social and cooperative, Third Way socialists accept a degree of individualism as natural, whereas revolutionary socialists see it as a capitalist distortion.
