'Why do any human beings choose to be socialists? Why has socialist politics proved in practice so frequently disappointing? How far can socialist ideas still serve to inform and guide political judgement in modern states for the better? Are the evident weaknesses of socialist politics in all its varieties likely to lead to its disappearance from modern political activity in the readily imaginable future?' These are the questions John Dunn faces in this book, offering an appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of ...
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'Why do any human beings choose to be socialists? Why has socialist politics proved in practice so frequently disappointing? How far can socialist ideas still serve to inform and guide political judgement in modern states for the better? Are the evident weaknesses of socialist politics in all its varieties likely to lead to its disappearance from modern political activity in the readily imaginable future?' These are the questions John Dunn faces in this book, offering an appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of socialism as a political theory. Its strengths, he argues, will always lie in its hostility to the manifest injustices of capitalist property relations. But its weaknesses stem from an inadequate and disingenuous conception of political power and political action, and from the widespread failures of socialist economic planning. Dunn goes on to examine how these failings might be remedied or minimized, given the options available from present conditions and the history of socialist politics. The conclusions of his analysis are not optimistic: the future for socialism will not be a comfortable one. But, he says, an honest recognition of the real problems that exist and an understanding of their causes is the only way of renewing confidence in socialism's promises of democracy and material security. This book is an attempt to confront problems which have arisen largely from the practice of socialist politics itself and to locate their sources within the confusions and equivocations of existing understandings of socialism.
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Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. No dust jacket. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 350grams, ISBN: 0521267366.
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Very Good. An appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of Socialism as a political theory, this work argues that its strengths lie in its hostility to the manifest injustices of capitalist property relations, and its weaknesses stem from an inadequate and disingenuous conception of political power. Series Editor(s): Goody, Jack; Hawthorn, Geoffrey. Series: Themes in the Social Sciences. Num Pages: 124 pages, tables, notes, index. BIC Classification: JFCX. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational. Dimension: 228 x 152 x 7. Weight in Grams: 190. Ex-libris with usual markings. Fine copy showing some shelf wear, internally is in very good condition. 1984. Paperback.....We ship daily from our Bookshop.
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New. Trade paperback (US). Contains: Unspecified. Themes in the Social Sciences . Includes unspecified. Intended for professional and scholarly audience.
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Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used textbooks may not include companion materials such as access codes, etc. May have some wear or writing/highlighting. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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Seller's Description:
New. Trade paperback (US). Contains: Unspecified. Themes in the Social Sciences . Includes unspecified. Intended for professional and scholarly audience.
