Concepts & Definition

Socialism is a political philosophy which strives to ultimately eliminate inequality in

society. To accomplish this, The production and distribution of goods and services are,
owned, regulated and administrated by the government (Phil for humanity, 2010). All
Socialists oppose Capitalism, where the means of production are under private
ownership and the distribution of goods and services are determined by individual
choices in a free market (Differ, 2013). This is because Capitalism has a tendency to
concentrate most wealth and power within a minority of people who triumph in a world
of exploitation and competition (Fleming, 2008). Socialism believes that the, Assured
way to remedy the ills of a capitalist society is for the means of production, distribution
and exchange to be nationalised by the state and managed on behalf of all societys
members. (Hoyt, 2011).

History & Background

In early 18th century France the seeds for societal reform were sown as a result of many
negative consequences from the post industrial revolution capitalist society. Early
industrialisation saw the development of barbaric inequalities, whereby, Factory
owners and entrepreneurs acquired riches through the exploitation of a large working
class, who generally suffered long hours, poor wages and terrible conditions (Fleming,
2008). As a result Charles Fourier, Claude-Henri de Saint-Simmon and others developed
a system allowing, fairer distribution of wealth, thus establishing themselves as the
founders of socialist thinking (Leone, 1978). However Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
are considered the forefathers and pioneers of socialism because of their, influential
critique of capitalism. Karl Marx pointed out that, Capitalism is irrational, in the sense
that it is essentially wasteful and inefficient due to a combination of private ownership
and market allocation (Dupre,2010). This led him to pioneer a solution which called for
the abolition of private property and central economic planning (Mosely, 2003).

How Socialism addresses 3 Ologys

To thoroughly understand socialism one must first apply socialist principles to
fundamental ologys which are, branches of knowledge that pose key questions
(Antoir, 2007). Ologys pose questions on ones values, attitudes and beliefs and thus
form substantial components of a worldview. Socialism, as a political ideology, is limited
in the ologys it can address, however it does make comments on Anthropology,
Axiology and Theology.

Anthropology
Anthropology begs questions on, the nature and purpose of Man in general and,
oneself in particular (Colson, N.D). Under Socialist ideology it appears the purpose of
an individual, and Man in general, is to work productively alongside their fellow society
members so that everyones basic needs are met and all can exist comfortably/equally.
Socialism therefore, would argue that Man should never exploit anyone or anything, but
be co-operative and communally concerned. Most socialists have preached a secular
version of the Christian Brotherhood of Man. On this principle they are opposed to
nationalism, wars, colonialism and the exploitation of underdeveloped
countries.(Fleming, 2008).

Axiology
Axiology, however, is concerned with, the nature of values -what is good and what is
right (Colson, N.D). Socialism addresses this by essentially being about the good for all
over the greed of the individual. It vehemently opposes capitalisms exploitive nature
and theoretically reorganises society so a minority of individuals do not hold all the
power and wealth at the expense of the majority (Leone, 1978). In this way it has
significant parallels to Utilitarianism, more specifically the idea of doing the greatest
good for the greatest number. For socialism, whether an action is good and morally
right is dependent on if it is co-operative, while also having a fair, beneficial and just
outcome for as many as possible.

Theology
Although Socialism is not directly concerned with religion, it still touches on the topic of
Theology. Theology deals with beliefs about the nature and existence of God (Colson,
n.d). Many religions maintain and preach the same core principles as socialism such as,
justice, communal concern, desiring only basic needs, reduction of poverty and
forbidding exploitation. As such, there appears to be no reason why religion and
socialism cannot coexist. However, traditional socialism and Marxism oppose the very
existence of god because, socialism originated as a Quasi-religious movement to
explain the purpose of life (Fleming, 2008). Marx and his predecessors strongly
believed that a secular and rational society could never be established if, individuals
devoted themselves to a supernatural being and clutched onto their selfish desire for
salvation (Simmons, 1952).

How Socialism Forms A Worldview and How It Would Impact

Daily Life.
How Socialism may address theological, axiological and anthropological questions, can
form a basis for the synthesis of a worldview. A worldview is, The sum total of our
beliefs about the world and is the big picture that directs our daily decisions and
actions (Colson, N.D). A person holding a socialist perspective is against wealth and
social divides and thus many of their actions will be directed at ensuring people
struggling financially in society are acquiring their basic needs (Mosely, 2003). This
includes generous donations to charities, doing volunteer work, always helping
struggling families and friends and likely voting for more equality in society (welfare,
same-sex marriage etc). Through a socialist worldview its probable that an individual
would be anti-war, pro- immigration for refugees and in general more open to change.
Thus their political stance in Australia would be with the Labor party. A socialist
worldview likely answers right and wrong based on whether a decision/action is not
only co-operative but also provides the most fair, just and beneficial outcome for a
majority of people. Furthermore, a person with a socialist worldview will have little, if
any, unnecessary materialistic desires as they will be satisfied once all their basic
needs are met (Differ, 2013). Also, its clear that a person, living in a socialist country,
with a socialist worldview will attempt to be as productive as possible at work because
they know that it will benefit all members of society and ensure that everyone can live
comfortably. In essence communal concern and selflessness are at the centre of a
socialist worldview.

The Pros and Cons of Holding a Socialist Worldview

Pros
A socialist worldview is clearly a noble perspective to hold. The positives of holding a
socialist perspective include: making decisions on how beneficial and fair the outcome
is for all involved; being generous with time and money towards those in need; and
showing support for/ demonstrating solidarity with those who are treated unjustly.
These are all crucial actions as they show initiative and strong empathy skills. Another
big positive of the socialist worldview is that the individual can live a happier life,
simply because they are easily satisfied and do not crave material goods beyond that
of which they require for a modestly, comfortable existence.

Cons
On the other hand, if a society were developed on only socialist principles it would
become unbalanced because individuals would begin to lose motivation due to lack of
incentive for themselves. This is why socialist systems always breakdown. This concept
is further explained by Gilligans Three Stages of Moral Development and is also
discussed in Care ethics. Although a society holding a socialist worldview will volunteer
and donate generously to support people living in poverty and oppression, this may be
done at the cost of the societys economic wellbeing. This is because an endless cycle
is born, where people in need will be forever dependent on a socialist society to provide
them with their basic needs. Alas, perhaps the socialist worldview that provides a
society with an empathetic, selfless, loving and generous heart may actually be the
same worldview that sets them up for both social and economic breakdown. 250
WORD COUNT : 874 (excluding quotes, title page, etc)

References
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