book

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Rated Why Not Socialism? 10/10

Starting from a thought experiment, Cohen makes a tentative definition of the core of Socialism as the principles of radical equality of opportunities -- not only neutralizing social sources of inequality, but also natural ones -- and community. He then tries to make a case for the desirability of applying such ideals to society as a whole, before addressing some of the obstacles that might affect such an implementation. After this exploration, the author concludes that, even if the feasibility of socialism isn't fully established, it is still a desirable ideal, and that even proposals that fail his test of respecting both principles -- as he claims that is the case of Market Socialist models --, they can still be worthwhile endeavors if they do a better job of satisfying the socialist ideals of distributive justice.<br/><br/>Given the book's title, some omissions in Cohen's argument somewhat weaken it. Even if we accept what he calls "socialist equality of opportunity" and a sense of community with every person we interact it as valid principles, it doesn't follow that one should be coerced to follow them. Such coercion is a strong argument against Socialism that isn't fully addressed by the book; however, the author concedes that the instrumental view of markets proposed by Market Socialist authors (and that finds its origins in Smith and Mandeville) offers a way of "recruit[ing] low-grade motives to...desirable ends", even if some of the other consequences of markets go against the core of his thesis.<br/><br/>Cohen's criticism of greed and fear as immediate motives on the market is valid, but it downplays the role that other factors play in economic decisions even in a market economy. Despite the role attributed to <i>Homo economicus</i> in a significant part of economic theory, many authors and currents have pointed out the role played by subjective, non-utility-maximizing factors in the choices of market actors. In fact, left-libertarian theories usually share Cohen's concerns, but defend that "freed markets" are a better way to reach the goal of a egalitarian, communal society. If so, that presents another case against what would be unnecessary coercion required by Socialism.<br/><br/>Despite those shortcomings and the book's short length, "Why Not Socialism?" combines interesting insights about morality and the market processes with a honest and emotionally powerful account of the Socialist ideal and why it has such a widespread appeal.

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