Matt McManus, a political scientist and author, discusses his book on Liberal Socialism, asserting that liberal rights and socialist economics can coexist. He delves into the historical figures like Wollstonecraft and Paine, emphasizing their advocacy for social change. McManus also tackles critiques from various ideologies, exploring the moral implications of inequality and the need for economic democracy. The conversation highlights the potential of liberal socialism to address contemporary political challenges while maintaining a connection to its revolutionary roots.
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Core Principles Unite Liberal Socialism
Liberal socialism unites liberal rights and socialist economics through methodological collectivism and normative individualism.
Certain strands of liberalism and socialism share commitments to equality, liberty, and solidarity.
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Paine and Wollstonecraft's Radical Views
Thomas Paine critiqued property as a social right benefiting the rich, advocating wealth redistribution.
Mary Wollstonecraft emphasized property inequality's corrosive moral effects on society.
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Burke vs. Paine and Wollstonecraft
Edmund Burke represents early conservative arguments defending hierarchy and inequality.
Paine and Wollstonecraft critiqued Burke's defense of social illusions and aristocratic privilege.
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Richard Rorty's "Achieving Our Country" explores the relationship between national pride, political action, and the left's stance on patriotism.
Liberalism Against Itself
Samuel Moyn
A theory of justice
John Rawls
In 'A Theory of Justice,' John Rawls develops a moral theory of justice as fairness, which is an alternative to utilitarianism. The theory is based on the social contract approach and uses the concept of the original position and the veil of ignorance to derive two principles of justice. The first principle, the greatest equal liberty principle, ensures that each person has an equal right to the most extensive total system of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar system of liberty for all. The second principle, which includes the difference principle and the equal opportunity principle, states that social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged and attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity. Rawls's theory aims to reconcile liberty and equality in a well-ordered society.
A Vindication of the rights of woman
Mary Wollstonecraft
The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism
The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism
Matthew McManus
Reflections on the revolution in France
Edmund Burke
Edmund Burke's "Reflections on the Revolution in France" is a powerful critique of the French Revolution, arguing that it was based on abstract principles that ignored the complexities of human society and the importance of tradition. Burke's work is a classic statement of conservative political philosophy, emphasizing the importance of gradual change, respect for institutions, and the dangers of radicalism. The "Reflections" remains a relevant and insightful commentary on the challenges facing modern societies. Burke's emphasis on prudence, tradition, and the importance of preserving social order continues to resonate with conservatives today. The book is a cornerstone of conservative political thought.
The Rights of Man
Thomas Paine
On this May Day edition of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael, political theorist Matt McManus joins us to unpack The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism, his groundbreaking new book. We explore:
Liberal Socialism Defined: Why liberal rights and socialist economics aren’t mutually exclusive—and how methodological collectivism and normative individualism unite them.
Historical Roots: From Mary Wollstonecraft and Thomas Paine’s radical democracy to John Stuart Mill’s social liberalism, contrasted with Edmund Burke and Ludwig von Mises.
Core Principles: A developmental ethic over mere inquiry, economic democracy within a liberal framework, and, for some, extending democratic values into the family.
Key Influences: John Rawls’s Theory of Justice, Samuel Moyn’s critique of Cold War liberalism and the relationship between Samuel Moyn's book LIBERALISM AGAINST ITSELF: COLD WAR INTELLECTUALS AND THE MAKING OF OUR TIMES and Matt's book, and a speculative look at Richard Rorty’s pragmatic liberalism in relation to Liberal Socialism.
Global & Anti-Colonial Critiques: Addressing charges of Eurocentrism and imperialist bias by anti-colonial and Global South critiques of Liberal Socialism.
Critiques from the Left & Right: Responses to neoliberal, libertarian, and Marxist-Leninist objections, and why caricaturing Marx misses his nuanced view of liberal institutions.
If you’re interested in the crossroads of political philosophy, the future of democratic socialism, and reclaiming a tradition of freedom and equality, tune in to this deep dive with Matt McManus.
Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael 
