human nature

• Introduction

  • Emerging as a response to the inequalities of industrial capitalism in the 10th centrury, socialism is a political idealogy centred on collective ownership,social equality and economic justice
  • With the insights of key thinkers like Karl Marx and Anthony gidden This is particularly evident in debates around the economy where differing views highlight the diversity within socialist thought.
  • Arguing on topics such as common humanity, capitalism and equality
• Agree (common humanity)

  • Socialism sees humans as social creatures united by a common humanity.
  • Social Democrats focus on human potential, not just current behavior.
  • People solve problems through community, not just individualism.
  • Both revolutionary and SD socialists blame capitalism for corrupting human nature (individualism/consumerism).
  • Crossland is optimistic: education + innate fairness can overcome inequality.
  • Luxembourg agrees—humans are naturally cooperative, generous, and altruistic.
  • Fraternity survives in working-class communities despite capitalism.
• capitalism (disagree)

  • Revolutionaries (Marxists):
  • Abolish capitalism → proletariat dictatorship → classless society.
  • Only communism liberates humans’ cooperative instincts.
  • Social Democrats/Third Way:
  • Capitalism can be humanized (reformed).
  • Cooperation fosters mutual respect/support.
  • Redefined capitalism allows personal + societal growth.
  • Key divide: Marxists want communism; Third Way embraces entrepreneurial capitalism.
• Equality (Disagree)

  • Revolutionary Socialists:
  • Absolute equality of outcome (e.g., USSR’s Gosplan).
  • Equal assets/status to unlock human potential.
  • Third Way (e.g., Giddens/Blair):
  • Mix fairness with individual aspiration.
  • Support equality of opportunity (not outcome).
  • Blair: Help the disadvantaged but don’t stop others from getting rich.
  • Key quote: "Your freedom is how free your opponent is" (traditional) vs. "Same chance at life"(Third Way).