In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Soviet Union collapsed, the Berlin Wall came down, millions were lifted out of oppression, and the Mises/Hayek critique of socialism was (supposedly) vindicated.
In Why Not Socialism?, G. A. Cohen argues that socialism is intrinsically desirable, and capitalism is intrinsically repugnant.I'm willing to bet most of you here will not be convinced by his argument. ""Is socialism really such an alien way of organizing human society? Why Not Socialism? "—Hillel Steiner, University of Manchester "Cohen makes out the case for the moral attractiveness of socialism based on the rather homely example of a camping trip. . "—Jonathan Wolff, author of So, I will do my best to outline his position. But a vast quantity of preliminary spadework is necessary to excavate the assumptions that keep us from even trying.
the problems that Cohen addresses in this slim volume are of enormous importance, and can be taken seriously by readers ranging from those with only a tangential interest in the field, to serious scholars of egalitarian and socialist thought. His style of argument is very accessible, and it is certainly a more attractive mode of persuasion than dreary analyses of how capitalism actually works. Moreover, under existing conditions, private capitalists inevitably control, directly or indirectly, the main sources of information (press, radio, education). Art Carden. It pits class against class. This is true since the members of legislative bodies are selected by political parties, largely financed or otherwise influenced by private capitalists who, for all practical purposes, separate the electorate from the legislature. Please tell me where he makes a mistake.
After seeing the title, "Why Not Socialism," I was immediately drawn to the single rose growing on the cover. The consequence is that the representatives of the people do not in fact sufficiently protect the interests of the underprivileged sections of the population. Why Not Socialism? In sublimely lucid fashion, Cohen draws up taxonomies of equality, offers ethical objection to capitalism . Why not Socialism? "Why Socialism?"
""Cohen makes out the case for the moral attractiveness of socialism based on the rather homely example of a camping trip.
A planned economy, which adjusts production to the needs of the community, would distribute the work to be done among all those able to work and would guarantee a livelihood to every man, woman, and child. Hardcover
. . . With "[Here] we have a renowned scholar producing an accessible, concise work addressing a vital topic from a committed, progressive standpoint: would that more of today's academic star scholars would follow this example. Distinguished philosophers such as Hillel Steiner and Jonathan Wolff have offered high praise for Why Not Socialism? . . G. A. Cohen. The book’s brevity—only ninety-two very small pages—and its largely jargonfree writing suggest that it is meant for nonspecialist readers. Cohen says things that need to be said, often better than anyone else; and his last book is especially effective as an argument against the obstacles to socialism typically ascribed to human selfishness. ""[A] stimulating and thoughtfully argued advocacy of the better world that we need to fight for. . Our ebooks editions are available from these online vendors:Many of our ebooks are available through library electronic resources including these platforms:Is socialism desirable? . It thrives on victimology and shuns personal responsibility. . is a very timely book. Thus, if anyone can defend socialism successfully, perhaps Cohen can in this book.