#171 - Stephen Hicks - Socialism & Postmodernism For Dummies
May 16, 2020
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Stephen Hicks, Professor at Rockford University and author, provides a primer on socialism and postmodernism. Topics include foundational principles, the origins and critiques of these movements, whether socialism can work today, the connection between socialism and postmodernism, and the importance of being well-informed in political discussions and voting.
Postmodernism emerged as a response to socialism's failures and criticizes capitalism, democratic politics, individualism, science, and technology.
Socialism prioritizes the social collective over individual autonomy, but its implementation faces challenges and controversy.
Scaling up socialism to larger societies presents difficulties in balancing collective decision-making with protecting individual rights and freedoms.
Deep dives
The Origins and Definitions of Postmodernism
Postmodernism arose as a response to the failure of socialism and the challenges faced by socialist ideologies. The term 'postmodern' refers to the period following the major revolutions and advancements in various fields such as art, science, religion, and politics that took place over the past 500 years. Postmodernists argue that the modern world, marked by capitalism, democratic politics, individualism, science, and technology, has been a mistake and has led to negative outcomes. They reject democratic-republican politics and free-market capitalism, criticizing them as fundamentally flawed and exploitative. Additionally, they question the benefits and dangers of science and technology, while rejecting the emphasis on individualism and advocating for identity politics and group-based identity as the foundation of one's identity.
Understanding Socialism and Its Philosophy
Socialism prioritizes the social collective over the individual. It believes that the purpose of social organizations, such as family, business, and politics, is to serve the needs of the group rather than individuals. Socialists argue that society as a whole should make decisions about resource allocation and societal well-being, rather than individuals having autonomy in economic matters. Unlike liberalism and individualistic societies, socialists emphasize communal responsibility and prioritize the group's needs over individual freedom. However, socialism's historical track record and practical implementation have faced significant challenges, leading to negative outcomes, making it a controversial and debated ideology.
The Challenges of Scaling Socialism
One of the challenges faced by socialism is scaling up to larger societies. In smaller socialistic communities, such as religious communes or hippie communes, where everyone shares common goals and willingly participates, socialism can be successful. However, as communities grow in size, decision-making becomes more difficult, often resulting in delegated committees and representative bodies making decisions on behalf of the community. This concentration of power can lead to a suppression of individual rights and freedoms, making it challenging to strike a balance between collective decision-making and protecting individual autonomy. As societies scale up to nation-states, the concentration of power becomes more pronounced and can result in dictatorial tendencies.
The Appeal and Challenges of Socialism
Socialism appeals to some individuals who seek a society where resources are distributed equitably and decisions are made collectively. However, socialism faces significant challenges and criticisms due to its historical track record of failed experiments, including authoritarianism, economic turmoil, and human rights abuses. The allure of socialism often comes from a desire for security and a belief that wise individuals can redistribute resources and make decisions in the best interest of society. However, implementing socialism on a larger scale requires relinquishing individual freedoms and delegating decision-making power, which can lead to abuses of power and a suppression of minority interests. The current global environment reflects a resurgence in socialist desires, with populist movements advocating for socialist principles. This has also led to the adoption of postmodern strategies by some individuals on both the left and right sides of the political spectrum.
The Importance of Intellectual Honesty and Humility
Intellectual humility and honesty are essential in navigating political and philosophical debates. Recognizing the complexity of issues, embracing a willingness to change one's beliefs in the face of new evidence or arguments, and being open to admitting mistakes are crucial for personal growth and understanding. It is important to engage in civil discourse, actively listen to opposing viewpoints, and challenge one's own biases. Upholding intellectual honesty and humility is an ongoing process that requires self-reflection, critical thinking, and a commitment to seeking truth. It is through these qualities that individuals can make informed decisions and contribute to respectful and constructive dialogue.
Stephen Hicks is a Professor at Rockford University and an author.
Socialism & Postmodernism are terms thrown around a lot but I don't really understand what they are. Thankfully Stephen does.
Expect to learn a great primer on the foundational principles underpinning socialism and post modernism, how these movements came about, whether socialism can work in modern society, whether postmodernism came about because of the failings of socialism and much more...