Abstract
Amid debates about the "end of socialism" in the wake of the collapse of communism, it is argued that several of socialism's "ethical aims" might yet be revived within a market structure. G. A. Cohen (in Franklin, Jane [Ed], 1997) has objected to both "market-wise" liberalism or socialism on ethical grounds, arguing that they rely on self-interest - specifically, "greed & fear" - to motivate people. Here, his claims are addressed in a larger discussion of several other arguments against socialism, which are explored as reaffirmations of the "Mandevillian tradition," based on the early-18th-century writings of Bernard de Mandeville & his views on the necessity of vice (ie, self-interest) over virtue for the functioning of the good society; the views of Friedrich Hayek, David Hume, & Adam Smith are also examined. Two potential correctives to Cohen's moral concerns are suggested: (1) voluntary activity, & (2) gift giving; respectively, Robert Putnam's (1993) work on voluntary associations in Italy & Richard M. Titmuss's (1997 [1970]) research on blood donation in the US & UK explore these options in detail. K. Hyatt Stewart.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 247-277 |
| Journal | Social Philosophy and Policy |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2003 |