Question 1

You have undoubtedly heard someone say that whatever capitalism's faults, it is better than other alternatives. Or you've heard people simply scoff at the notion of socialism. Do you agree that TINA cannot be taken at face value? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You have undoubtedly heard someone say that...

Question 2

Walzer argues that the economy should be open to all.

Accepted Answer

Michael Walzer argues for the concept of "complex equality," where different social goods (like political power, education, and economic resources) are distributed according to different criteria, rather than advocating for a completely open economy.

Question 3

Walzer claims that communism has given socialism a bad name.

Accepted Answer

Michael Walzer, a prominent political theorist, has argued that the failures and negative associations of communism in practice, particularly in the Soviet Union and similar regimes, have tarnished the broader appeal and perception of socialism, which encompasses a wider range of ideas and ideals beyond those implemented under communist governments.

Question 4

Which is not a part of Rawls's two principles of justice?
A) Each person has the same claim to a fully adequate scheme of equal basic liberties
B) Social and economic inequalities are to be based on merit
C) Social and economic inequalities are to be attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair opportunity.
D) Social and economic inequalities are to be to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged members of society.

Accepted Answer

John Rawls's two principles of justice do not include the idea that social and economic inequalities should be based on merit. Instead, his principles focus on equal basic liberties, fair opportunity, and benefiting the least advantaged.

Question 5

Rawls argues that the industrious ought to be entitled to retain their wealth only if the least advantaged person in society benefits from the inequality of this distribution.

Accepted Answer

John Rawls, in his theory of justice, argues for the "difference principle," which states that social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged members of society. This means that the wealthy or industrious can retain their wealth only if their doing so benefits the least advantaged in some way.

Question 6

Walzer claims that history is a tale of hierarchy and subordination and that socialism and democracy are struggles against this in pursuit of social equality. Does this seem like a moral imperative to you? In other words, is there an ethical demand to fight against social subordination by the means of democracy and socialism? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Walzer claims that history is a tale...

Question 7

Schweickart writes about economic democracy. "Economy/economic" comes from the Greek oikonomia (from which we also get "ecology). It literally means "the order or rule of the house" but is often translated "administration or "stewardship." Whereas democracy and economics have often been seen as different matters, can you see how closely related they are? Do you think full democracy necessitates economic democracy? Why or why not? How else might economic democracy be defined?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Schweickart writes about economic democracy. "Economy/economic" comes...

Question 8

Which is not one of the basic principles of socialism, according to Walzer?
A) Education should be open and accessible to all
B) Political society should be open and accessible to all
C) The economy should be open and accessible to all
D) All members of political society are collectively responsible for each other's welfare

Accepted Answer

Walzer's principles of socialism emphasize collective responsibility, political inclusivity, and economic accessibility, but do not specifically mandate that education must be open and accessible to all as a basic principle of socialism.

Question 9

Walzer claims that "social democracy is the only socialism that has every actually existed." Do you agree with his reading of history? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Walzer claims that "social democracy is the...

Question 10

Schweickart argues that workplace democracy cannot motivate as well as wage labor.

Accepted Answer

Schweickart, in advocating for economic democracy, argues that workplace democracy, where workers have a say in the management and decisions of their workplace, can be more motivating than traditional wage labor systems. He believes that when workers have a stake in the outcomes and governance of their workplace, it leads to increased motivation, satisfaction, and productivity.

Question 11

Do you see any reason to disagree with the three principles that Walzer thinks sums up socialism? Why or why not? Would you add or subtract from them? What specific elements of this formula would you change?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you see any reason to disagree...

Question 12

According to Schweickart, which is false?
A) In the U.S. the top 1% of owns 40 to 50 percent of all U.S. wealth.
B) This is more than the combined wealth of the bottom 95%
C) It is the nature of inequality in the U.S. which is immoral
D) We are fortunate that inequality in the U.S. does not compromise democracy

Accepted Answer

Schweickart argues that the extreme inequality in the U.S. does indeed compromise democracy, as the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few can lead to a disproportionate influence over political processes and decisions.

Question 13

Schweikart argues that capitalism generates large-scale inequalities.

Accepted Answer

Schweikart, in his discussions on capitalism, acknowledges that while capitalism has been a powerful force for economic growth and innovation, it also tends to generate significant inequalities in wealth and income among different segments of society.

Question 14

Do you agree with Schweickart's objection to gross inequality, especially because of the number of desperately poor people? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you agree with Schweickart's objection to...

Question 15

Schweikart argues that capitalism is immoral.

Accepted Answer

Schweikart argues that capitalism is immoral because it creates a system of inequality that is unjust and harmful to the poor.

Question 16

According to Schweickart, which one is not among the negatives of capitalism?
A) Inequality
B) Laziness
C) Unemployment
D) Poverty

Accepted Answer

Schweickart critiques capitalism for various reasons, including inequality, unemployment, and poverty, but does not list laziness as a negative outcome of capitalism. Laziness is more often seen as a personal trait rather than a systemic outcome of an economic system.

Question 17

Rawls advocates that the coercive force of government be employed for wealth redistribution.

Accepted Answer

John Rawls, in his theory of justice, argues for a system of wealth redistribution to ensure fairness and equality, advocating for the use of government power to achieve these ends.

Question 18

Like other socialists, Walzer understands socialism and democracy as nearly synonymous. Do you see why they might make this claim? Is there any reason that you can identify as to why this is inaccurate? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Like other socialists, Walzer understands socialism and...

Question 19

Walzer supports this political position.
A) Communism
B) Libertarianism
C) Social democracy
D) Social theocracy

Accepted Answer

Michael Walzer is a prominent political theorist known for his support of social democracy, which advocates for political democracy alongside a mixed economy that aims to redistribute wealth in a fair manner, ensuring social justice within a capitalist framework.

Question 20

As Rawls argues, the principles that rational self-interested persons would agree to from behind the veil of ignorance are those that abide by the principle of utility.

Accepted Answer

Rawls argues that rational self-interested persons would agree to principles of justice (the Liberty Principle and the Difference Principle), not the principle of utility, from behind the veil of ignorance.

Quiz 7: Cooperating