Why Not Socialism?
Why Not Socialism? by G. A. Cohen, published by Princeton University Press in September 2009, presents a concise exploration of the moral case for socialism. In this first edition, spanning 96 pages, Cohen addresses the desirability and feasibility of socialism, arguing that the perceived obstacles to its implementation are often overstated. He draws on relatable examples, such as the cooperative spirit observed during camping trips, to illustrate how social norms can foster equality and community.
Readers will find a thoughtful examination of the ethical implications of socialism, as Cohen challenges the notion that human selfishness is the primary barrier to its realization. Instead, he posits that the lack of mechanisms to channel human generosity is a significant hurdle. The book discusses potential pathways to a more equitable society, emphasizing the importance of rethinking market reliance. With its focus on political ideologies and moral philosophy, this work invites reflection on the principles that could guide societal structures toward greater equality.
Official synopsis Publisher
Is socialism desirable? Is it even possible? In this concise book, one of the world’s leading political philosophers presents with clarity and wit a compelling moral case for socialism and argues that the obstacles in its way are exaggerated.
There are times, G. A. Cohen notes, when we all behave like socialists. On a camping trip, for example, campers wouldn’t dream of charging each other to use a soccer ball or for fish that they happened to catch. Campers do not give merely to get, but relate to each other in a spirit of equality and community. Would such socialist norms be desirable across society as a whole? Why not? Whole societies may differ from camping trips, but it is still attractive when people treat each other with the equal regard that such trips exhibit.
But, however desirable it may be, many claim that socialism is impossible. Cohen writes that the biggest obstacle to socialism isn’t, as often argued, intractable human selfishness–it’s rather the lack of obvious means to harness the human generosity that is there. Lacking those means, we rely on the market. But there are many ways of confining the sway of the market: there are desirable changes that can move us toward a socialist society in which, to quote Albert Einstein, humanity has “overcome and advanced beyond the predatory stage of human development.”
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Why Not Socialism?” about?
Who is the author of “Why Not Socialism?”?
When was “Why Not Socialism?” published?
What is the ISBN for “Why Not Socialism?”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
