Why Not Socialism The Camping Trip - 1337 Words

Why Not Socialism? The Camping Trip In â€Å"Why Not Socialism?† (2009), G. A. Cohen provides an explanation and defense of socialist principles. Cohen describes that there are moments when we will behave like socialists. He uses a camping trip analogy to demonstrate his argument. Campers will share the fruits of their labour equally among the rest of the fellow campers. According to Cohen, â€Å"our common aim is that each of us should have a good time† (50). He gives situations where campers behave like capitalists, such as a man with fishing talents demanding better fish to eat. Cohen explains that this is undesirable (59). Cohen is seems to discus the worst scenario of capitalism, yet this is necessary to his argument to promote the socialist†¦show more content†¦Individual distinctions are only a reflection of differences in â€Å"taste and choice, not differences in natural and social capacities and powers† (62). There are three types of inequality that are compatible with socialist equality. The first type is the preference and choice of lifestyle options resulting in inequalities of good, which Cohen finds unproblematic. The next type is differences in the amount of effort individuals put into their life chances, and Cohen deems this as only a bit problematic. Cohen has the largest problem with differences in amounts of chosen option luck (i.e. voluntary gambling). This is a huge flaw of socialist equality of opportunity. Here, the principle of community is strained. The Principle of Community Community is built of two main elements. First, community requires communal caring. Members need to put themselves in positions where they are able to relate to other members and does everything â€Å"within reasonable limits of self-sacrifice† (65). The second is communal reciprocity. Individuals will serve other members of the community, not for exchange of goods, but to provide generosity and support. These elements of community appear in the lives of all individuals, even the most capitalist ones. Humans are entirely capable of these. Market Socialism According to Cohen, economic systems operating on the basis of generosity are not feasible. Production is driven by greed.Show MoreRelatedThe Theory Of Socialism As An Implementable System1765 Words   |  8 PagesAfter mapping out the analogous chains between an affable camping trip and socialism, Cohen asks us to consider whether the diffusion of such trip principles across wide society would be desirable and feasible, two questions that he declares to be independent. I assess them separately as he did but believe them to be intricately linked. Cohen acknowledges the possibility of man’s insufficiently generous nature as a barrier to feasibility without addressing it further. However, I think it’s a mistakeRead MoreNazi Impact on Education and Youth2097 Words   |  9 Pageswill be educated physically, morally and spiritually in the spirit of the National Socialist Idea of the State. Jugendbund activities were centred on achieving these objectives. There was a heavy emphasis on outdoor activities, especially hiking, camping and military training, they also did religious activities and fund raising. After the Nazis gained power young people were encouraged to join the Jugendbund and most other political youth organizations were closed down. By 1936 it was almost impossibleRead MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 Pagesreinforce existing views rather than to accept the view that is backed up with the better argument, our course is designed to combat this tendency. Facing a Decision as a Critical Thinker Imagine this situation. You are on a four-day backpacking trip in a national wilderness area with your friends Juanita and Emilio. The summer weathers great, the scenery is exotic, and youve been having a good time. Yesterday you drove several hours into the area and parked in the main parking lot. Then you