CHAPTER IV ETHICAL SOCIALISM, ESPECIALLY THAT OF THE NEW CRITICISM
§ 1 the Categorical Imperative as a Foundation for Socialism
Socialism in Germany has strong roots in German philosophy, especially the ideas of thinkers like Kant, Hegel, and Fichte. These philosophers have influenced how people think about society and helped shape socialist ideas. Recently, some philosophers known as Neo-Kantians, including Friedrich Albert Lange and Hermann Cohen, have embraced socialism while trying to connect it to modern criticisms of earlier philosophies.
Kant’s moral ideas have weaknesses, especially in how he views ethics and economics. His thoughts do not fully address the problems in society, and other thinkers like Bentham and Mill have better insights about human well-being. The Neo-Kantians recognize that income distribution is unfair in capitalist societies, but they do not explore the real reasons behind poverty or the role of private property, leading them to reject ownership without solid proof.
Cohen, a leading figure among Neo-Kantians, argues for an ethical view of socialism where each person should be treated as an end in themselves. He believes that in capitalist economies, people can become mere tools to serve others. However, this idea does not engage with liberal theories, which suggest that society works best when people help each other while pursuing their goals, with everyone serving both as a means and an end.
Cohen criticizes private property by saying that it reduces the value of people to mere economic tools. These arguments reflect long-standing criticisms against ownership but often rely on older Marxist ideas without providing clear new views. Despite being labeled socialist, the Neo-Kantian arguments mostly come back to economic concerns, focusing more on opposing private property than offering a strong and clear alternative to current social structures.
§ 2 the Duty of Work as a Foundation for Socialism
The idea is that work is crucial for a socialist society, and everyone should contribute to prevent dependence on others. A biblical principle stresses the importance of self-reliance and warns against relying on others' labor. It is argued that private property can create inequality, allowing some people to be idle while others work hard. Ethical judgments about ownership are often influenced by economic perspectives rather than moral considerations. It is suggested that when evaluating systems, one must choose between private ownership and common ownership based on their potential benefits to society, rather than focusing on the individual effects of each system. Ultimately, what supports the chosen social structure is seen as moral, while anything else is considered immoral.
§ 3 the Equality of Incomes as an Ethical Postulate
The idea that everyone should have equal incomes cannot be fully supported by scientific reasoning; it is mainly an ethical belief that depends on individual views. Achieving equal incomes would require sacrificing other goals and would likely lead to a significant decrease in the total national income. Many who advocate for income equality mistakenly believe it can be done without affecting overall wealth. The argument that the poor suffer because the rich exist is countered by the reality that income equality would result in everyone becoming poorer. Ultimately, the push for income equality often stems from feelings of resentment rather than solid ethical foundations.
§ 4 the Ethical-Aesthetic Condemnation of the Profit-Motive
Philosophers criticize capitalism for promoting an excessive desire for wealth, arguing that individuals become slaves to economic competition instead of enjoying life. They believe that people rush for riches, losing time for personal peace and true enjoyment. This longing for a past filled with culture contrasts sharply with the experience of those without resources today. However, this comparison is flawed because it overlooks the average person’s experience and suggests that the busy nature of modern life has destroyed appreciation for beauty, which is not entirely true—art, including serious music, has become more accessible.
In capitalist societies, individuals have the chance to change their economic status, unlike in earlier times where wealth was inherited and static. People strive to accumulate wealth, aware that their fortunes can change. This pursuit of wealth is seen as essential for human survival, which improved greatly by 1914 due to the acquirement instinct. A proposed shift to a socialist society, where government jobs replace entrepreneurial efforts, raises questions about the efficiency and ideal nature of such a system. Some socialists favor civil service roles over profit-driven objectives, yet this perspective can overlook the value of everyday hard work.
§ 5 the Cultural Achievements of Capitalism
Ethical Socialism is described as unscientific and having mistaken ideas about how society works. It reflects a decline in European culture around the late 1800s and early 1900s and played a role in causing World War I and the rise of Bolshevism. Supporters often feel resentment toward those who succeed and believe they can easily fix complex social problems. This romantic movement desires freedom from societal rules but does not recognize the importance of structure for maintaining stability. While respected thinkers appreciated the value of capitalism, romantics only focus on its problems and ignore the positive achievements of bourgeois society, such as ending slavery and promoting equality. Instead, they see only the hardships without recognizing the overall improvements in living conditions that capitalism has provided.
§ 1 the Categorical Imperative as a Foundation for Socialism
Socialism in Germany has strong roots in German philosophy, especially the ideas of thinkers like Kant, Hegel, and Fichte. These philosophers have influenced how people think about society and helped shape socialist ideas. Recently, some philosophers known as Neo-Kantians, including Friedrich Albert Lange and Hermann Cohen, have embraced socialism while trying to connect it to modern criticisms of earlier philosophies.
Kant’s moral ideas have weaknesses, especially in how he views ethics and economics. His thoughts do not fully address the problems in society, and other thinkers like Bentham and Mill have better insights about human well-being. The Neo-Kantians recognize that income distribution is unfair in capitalist societies, but they do not explore the real reasons behind poverty or the role of private property, leading them to reject ownership without solid proof.
Cohen, a leading figure among Neo-Kantians, argues for an ethical view of socialism where each person should be treated as an end in themselves. He believes that in capitalist economies, people can become mere tools to serve others. However, this idea does not engage with liberal theories, which suggest that society works best when people help each other while pursuing their goals, with everyone serving both as a means and an end.
Cohen criticizes private property by saying that it reduces the value of people to mere economic tools. These arguments reflect long-standing criticisms against ownership but often rely on older Marxist ideas without providing clear new views. Despite being labeled socialist, the Neo-Kantian arguments mostly come back to economic concerns, focusing more on opposing private property than offering a strong and clear alternative to current social structures.
§ 2 the Duty of Work as a Foundation for Socialism
The idea is that work is crucial for a socialist society, and everyone should contribute to prevent dependence on others. A biblical principle stresses the importance of self-reliance and warns against relying on others' labor. It is argued that private property can create inequality, allowing some people to be idle while others work hard. Ethical judgments about ownership are often influenced by economic perspectives rather than moral considerations. It is suggested that when evaluating systems, one must choose between private ownership and common ownership based on their potential benefits to society, rather than focusing on the individual effects of each system. Ultimately, what supports the chosen social structure is seen as moral, while anything else is considered immoral.
§ 3 the Equality of Incomes as an Ethical Postulate
The idea that everyone should have equal incomes cannot be fully supported by scientific reasoning; it is mainly an ethical belief that depends on individual views. Achieving equal incomes would require sacrificing other goals and would likely lead to a significant decrease in the total national income. Many who advocate for income equality mistakenly believe it can be done without affecting overall wealth. The argument that the poor suffer because the rich exist is countered by the reality that income equality would result in everyone becoming poorer. Ultimately, the push for income equality often stems from feelings of resentment rather than solid ethical foundations.
§ 4 the Ethical-Aesthetic Condemnation of the Profit-Motive
Philosophers criticize capitalism for promoting an excessive desire for wealth, arguing that individuals become slaves to economic competition instead of enjoying life. They believe that people rush for riches, losing time for personal peace and true enjoyment. This longing for a past filled with culture contrasts sharply with the experience of those without resources today. However, this comparison is flawed because it overlooks the average person’s experience and suggests that the busy nature of modern life has destroyed appreciation for beauty, which is not entirely true—art, including serious music, has become more accessible.
In capitalist societies, individuals have the chance to change their economic status, unlike in earlier times where wealth was inherited and static. People strive to accumulate wealth, aware that their fortunes can change. This pursuit of wealth is seen as essential for human survival, which improved greatly by 1914 due to the acquirement instinct. A proposed shift to a socialist society, where government jobs replace entrepreneurial efforts, raises questions about the efficiency and ideal nature of such a system. Some socialists favor civil service roles over profit-driven objectives, yet this perspective can overlook the value of everyday hard work.
§ 5 the Cultural Achievements of Capitalism
Ethical Socialism is described as unscientific and having mistaken ideas about how society works. It reflects a decline in European culture around the late 1800s and early 1900s and played a role in causing World War I and the rise of Bolshevism. Supporters often feel resentment toward those who succeed and believe they can easily fix complex social problems. This romantic movement desires freedom from societal rules but does not recognize the importance of structure for maintaining stability. While respected thinkers appreciated the value of capitalism, romantics only focus on its problems and ignore the positive achievements of bourgeois society, such as ending slavery and promoting equality. Instead, they see only the hardships without recognizing the overall improvements in living conditions that capitalism has provided.