Concepts & DefinitionSocialism is a political philosophy which strives to ultimately eliminate inequality in society. To accomplish this, “The production and distribution of goods and services are, owned, regulated and administrated by the government” (Phil for humanity, 2010). All Socialists oppose Capitalism, where the means of production are under private ownership and the distribution of goods and services are determined by individual choices in a free market (Differ, 2013). This is because Capitalism has a tendency to concentrate most wealth and power within a minority of people who triumph in a world of exploitation and competition (Fleming, 2008). Socialism believes that the, “…Assured way to remedy the ills of a capitalist society is for the means of production, distribution and exchange to be nationalised by the state and managed on behalf of all society’s members.” (Hoyt, 2011).

History & BackgroundIn early 18th century France the seeds for societal reform were sown as a result of many negative consequences from the post industrial revolution capitalist society. Early industrialisation saw the development of barbaric inequalities, whereby, “Factory owners and entrepreneurs acquired riches through the exploitation of a large working class, who generally suffered long hours, poor wages and terrible conditions” (Fleming, 2008). As a result Charles Fourier, Claude-Henri de Saint-Simmon and others developed a system allowing, “…fairer distribution of wealth, thus establishing themselves as the founders of socialist thinking” (Leone, 1978). However Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels are considered the forefathers and pioneers of socialism because of their, influential critique of capitalism. Karl Marx pointed out that, “Capitalism is irrational, in the sense that it is essentially wasteful and inefficient due to a combination of private ownership and market allocation” (Dupre,2010). This led him to pioneer a solution which called for the abolition of private property and central economic planning (Mosely, 2003).

How Socialism addresses 3 Ology’sTo thoroughly understand socialism one must first apply socialist principles to fundamental ology’s which are, “…branches of knowledge that pose key questions” (Antoir, 2007). Ology’s pose questions on one’s values, attitudes and beliefs and thus form substantial components of a worldview. Socialism, as a political ideology, is limited in the ology’s it can address, however it does make comments on Anthropology, Axiology and Theology.

AnthropologyAnthropology begs questions on, “…the nature and purpose of Man in general and, oneself in particular (Colson, N.D)”. Under Socialist ideology it appears the purpose of an individual, and Man in general, is to work productively alongside their fellow society members so that everyone’s basic needs are met and all can exist comfortably/equally. Socialism therefore, would argue that Man should never exploit anyone or anything, but be co-operative and communally concerned. “Most socialists have preached a secular version of the Christian ‘Brotherhood of Man’. On this principle they are opposed to nationalism, wars, colonialism and the exploitation of underdeveloped countries.”(Fleming, 2008).

AxiologyAxiology, however, is concerned with, “the nature of values -what is good and what is right (Colson, N.D)”. Socialism addresses this by essentially being about the good for all over the greed of the individual. It

vehemently opposes capitalism’s exploitive nature and theoretically reorganises society so a minority of individuals do not hold all the power and wealth at the expense of the majority (Leone, 1978). In this way it has significant parallels to Utilitarianism, more specifically the idea of doing the greatest good for the greatest number. For socialism, whether an action is good and morally right is dependent on if it is co-operative, while also having a fair, beneficial and just outcome for as many as possible.

TheologyAlthough Socialism is not directly concerned with religion, it still touches on the topic of Theology. “Theology deals with beliefs about the nature and existence of God” (Colson, n.d). Many religions maintain and preach the same core principles as socialism such as, justice, communal concern, desiring only basic needs, reduction of poverty and forbidding exploitation. As such, there appears to be no reason why religion and socialism cannot coexist. However, traditional socialism and Marxism oppose the very existence of god because, “…socialism originated as a Quasi-religious movement to explain the purpose of life (Fleming, 2008)”. Marx and his predecessors strongly believed that a secular and rational society could never be established if, “…individuals devoted themselves to a supernatural being and clutched onto their selfish desire for salvation” (Simmons, 1952).

How Socialism Forms A Worldview and How It Would Impact Daily Life.How Socialism may address theological, axiological and anthropological questions, can form a basis for the synthesis of a worldview. A worldview is, “The sum total of our beliefs about the world and is the big picture that directs our daily decisions and actions (Colson, N.D)”. A person holding a socialist perspective is against wealth and social divides and thus many of their actions will be directed at ensuring people struggling financially in society are acquiring their basic needs (Mosely, 2003). This includes generous donations to charities, doing volunteer work, always helping struggling families and friends and likely voting for more equality in society (welfare, same-sex marriage etc). Through a socialist worldview it’s probable that an individual would be anti-war, pro- immigration for refugees and in general more open to change. Thus their political stance in Australia would be with the Labor party. A socialist worldview likely answers right and wrong based on whether a decision/action is not only co-operative but also provides the most fair, just and beneficial outcome for a majority of people. Furthermore, a person with a socialist worldview will have little, if any, unnecessary materialistic desires as they will be satisfied once all their basic needs are met (Differ, 2013). Also, it’s clear that a person, living in a socialist country, with a socialist worldview will attempt to be as productive as possible at work because they know that it will benefit all members of society and ensure that everyone can live comfortably. In essence communal concern and selflessness are at the centre of a socialist worldview.

The Pros and Cons of Holding a Socialist WorldviewProsA socialist worldview is clearly a noble perspective to hold. The positives of holding a socialist perspective include: making decisions on how beneficial and fair the outcome is for all involved; being generous with time and money towards those in need; and showing support for/ demonstrating solidarity with those who

are treated unjustly. These are all crucial actions as they show initiative and strong empathy skills. Another big positive of the socialist worldview is that the individual can live a happier life, simply because they are easily satisfied and do not crave material goods beyond that of which they require for a modestly, comfortable existence.

Cons On the other hand, if a society were developed on only socialist principles it would become unbalanced because individuals would begin to lose motivation due to lack of incentive for themselves. This is why socialist systems always breakdown. This concept is further explained by Gilligan’s Three Stages of Moral Development and is also discussed in Care ethics. Although a society holding a socialist worldview will volunteer and donate generously to support people living in poverty and oppression, this may be done at the cost of the society’s economic wellbeing. This is because an endless cycle is born, where people in need will be forever dependent on a socialist society to provide them with their basic needs. Alas, perhaps the socialist worldview that provides a society with an empathetic, selfless, loving and generous heart may actually be the same worldview that sets them up for both social and economic breakdown. 250

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