Enrichment • Series
Capitalism v. Socialism: Fundamental Texts (UNIT 2)
PL
JG
Jose Roberto Cossich G
This series ended on July 11, 2023. All 1:1 and group chats related to this series are disabled 7 days after the last session.
Series Details
About
Book List:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rqjpwv7Xn5WSZJJXzjFNq7QN-h-IvwwlyNrBZG9Z2SM/edit?usp=sharing
Office Hours:
https://schoolhouse.world/series/1639?celebrate
The aim of this series is to analyze Capitalist and Socialist Theory from an objective point of view. We will read Adam Smith and Karl Marx, among many, many more. We will read their critics, discuss the ideas we read in our sessions, and (optionally) write essays analyzing, comparing, and contrasting their ideas.
This series is just the second part--on the role of government (liberty v. equality).
How we structure each session will be based on this guide:
http://www.greatbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Shared-Inquiry-Handbook.pdf
Sessions will be added continually.
Tutor Qualifications
I have read a few books on capitalism and socialism, though I hope this series will vastly expand my knowledge.
✋ ATTENDANCE POLICY
Please do not miss any sessions, since we will have a strict timeline for reading each book. However, attendance is optional and we will be summarizing and discussing each week's reading (for those who couldn't read themselves).
Dates
July 6 - July 11
Learners
17 / 20
Total Sessions
23
About the Tutor
PL
JG
A little about me: I'm about the biggest Indie fan there is, I almost exclusively watch (John Hughes>>) 80s movies or the upcoming Star Wars series, and I read sci-fi in my spare time. I tutor for the sake of those aha moments, and have taken Multivariable Calc, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, and Complex Analysis. Who knows what I'll tutor next, hope to see you soon.
View Jose Roberto Cossich G's Profile
Upcoming Sessions
0
Past Sessions
23
6
Jul
OT
Session 1
Other Topics
Guiding Question: How does Hobbes describe the "state of nature?"
Hey guys, welcome to UNIT 2: THE PURPOSE AND EXTENT OF GOVERNMENT
We shall start by discussing and analyzing "Leviathan," by Thomas Hobbes, having read parts 1-2 (approximately 250 pages).We'll discuss his arguments on why governments are necessary and what the "state of nature" is.
20
Aug
OT
Session 2
Other Topics
Guiding Question: How does Hobbes describe the "state of nature?"
Hey guys, welcome to UNIT 2: THE PURPOSE AND EXTENT OF GOVERNMENT
We shall start by discussing and analyzing "Leviathan," by Thomas Hobbes, having read parts 1-2 (approximately 250 pages).We'll discuss his arguments on why governments are necessary and what the "state of nature" is.
17
Oct
OT
Session 3
Other Topics
Guiding Question: What did Hobbes envision was the role of government?
Hey guys, today we will finish discussing and analyzing "Leviathan," by Thomas Hobbes, having read parts 3-4 and the conclusion (approximately 250 pages). We'll discuss his arguments on why governments are necessary, how they should be structured, and any potential issues with his government (criticisms).
22
Oct
OT
Session 4
Other Topics
Guiding Question: What did Mills consider to be the adequate balance between rights and regulation? Are individual freedoms or collective security the priority?
Hey guys, today we will discuss John Mills, "On Liberty," (115 pages) wherein he deliberates on when regulation is justified, as well as when it not and instead violates individual rights. Then, we will discuss "Utilitarianism" (65 pages), wherein he discusses whether it is moral to sacrifice individual for communal well-being. This is going to be a crucial theme since free market economics as well as socialist/communist theories assume opposite stances when it comes to government intervention. Those being minimum regulation (which purports to promote individual freedom and well-being) vs. maximum regulation in order to ensure equity (which purports to promote communal well-being). After this, we'll also discuss Robert Higg's "Fear: The Foundation of Government," (15 pages) wherein he discusses how governments expand their reach and power with indifference to individual rights under the guise of protecting their citizens.
26
Oct
OT
Session 5
Other Topics
We will continue to discuss last session's content
https://whiteboard.fi/h4978
29
Oct
OT
Session 6
Other Topics
Today we will discuss "Utilitarianism" (65 pages), wherein he discusses whether it is moral to sacrifice individual for communal well-being. This is going to be a crucial theme since free market economics as well as socialist/communist theories assume opposite stances when it comes to government intervention. Those being minimum regulation (which purports to promote individual freedom and well-being) vs. maximum regulation in order to ensure equity (which purports to promote communal well-being). After this, we'll also discuss Robert Higg's "Fear: The Foundation of Government," (15 pages) wherein he discusses how governments expand their reach and power with indifference to individual rights under the guise of protecting their citizens.
4
Nov
OT
Session 7
Other Topics
Continuing last Saturday's session!
6
Nov
OT
Session 8
Other Topics
Guiding Questions: What is Rousseau's main thesis in his "Discourse on Inequality" (approximately 95 pages (including his notes))? How does he support his thesis and how does this relate to any socialist thought? Does this cut down at the idea of Capitalism at the root of inequality?
21
Nov
OT
Session 9
Other Topics
Continuing last Saturday's session.
1
Dec
OT
Session 10
Other Topics
Jamboard:https://jamboard.google.com/d/1jWTC7fbXGGgW0J7_oYjaFVRUM7X1ZIu-_C1_fbvdXqE/edit?usp=sharing
Guiding Question: What is Rousseau's main thesis in his "On the Social Contract" (100 pages) and How does Higgs criticize Social Contractarianism? Is this criticism valid? What are both of their main arguments and how do they support or contradict each other?
18
Dec
OT
Session 11
Other Topics
Guiding Question: How does Rawl's idea of societal "tendency to equality" contrast the ideas proposed in Rousseau's "Discourse on The Origin of Inequality?" What threat, does Rawls propose, could disrupt the quest to equality and justice?
Today we will discuss part 2 (pg. 172-347).
22
Dec
OT
Session 12
Other Topics
Guiding Question: How does Rawl's idea of societal "tendency to equality" contrast the ideas proposed in Rousseau's "Discourse on The Origin of Inequality?" What threat, does Rawls propose, could disrupt the quest to equality and justice?
Today we will discuss part 2 (pg. 172-347).
27
Dec
OT
Session 13
Other Topics
Guiding Questions: What is Rawls's fundamental assumption in "A Theory of Justice"? Why does Rawls place fairness and equality as the fundamental aim of just governments? How does this relate to the idea of the "veil of ignorance"?
We will start by introducing John Rawl's "A Theory of Justice," having read Part 1 (pg.3-171), discussing his underlying assumptions and how those axioms allow him to place equality as the principle around which societies should strive to aim.
28
Dec
OT
Session 14
Other Topics
Guiding Questions: What is Nozick's assumption in "State, Anarchy, and Utopia?" How does he oppose Rawls?
Today we'll be starting "Anarchy, State, and Utopia" by Robert Nozick, having read Part 1 (pg. 3-149). We'll be discussing why he constructs his notion of a "minimal" government, one which would favor a capitalist economy, around the idea of liberty. How does this contrast Rawls's approach of an egalitarian society?
1
Jan
OT
Session 15
Other Topics
Guiding Question: What is the proper balance between liberty and equality? Is it ok to sacrifice individual rights for communal well-being? Are all stable governments by necessity democratic? Is there a true tendency to equality? We will cover part 2 of the book (pg.150-297)
8
Jan
OT
Session 16
Other Topics
Today we will finish A Theory of Justice by John Rawls, particularly part 3 (pg.343-517).
15
Jan
OT
Session 17
Other Topics
We will cover part 3 of the book (pg.298-335). Then, we will review
UNIT 2: THE PURPOSE AND EXTENT OF GOVERNMENT
We will review the central ideas of equality proposed by Rawls and Rousseau to those of liberty proposed by Nozick and Mills.
Those who wish to write their essays answering these/related questions, please let me know on your progress.
Thus we conclude our second unit.
6
Feb
OT
Session 18
Other Topics
Guiding Question: How did George Orwell's experience during the war influence his political views? (We will explore this further when we read his 1984 and Animal Farm in Unit 3)
Today we will explore our final piece, Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell (approximately 250 pages).
31
Mar
OT
Session 19
Other Topics
Part 1 - John Rawls's A Theory Of Justice
2
Jun
OT
Session 20
Other Topics
Hey guys, we'll do our second set of essay presentations here!
20
Jun
OT
Session 21
Other Topics
Part 1 - John Rawls's A Theory Of Justice
28
Jun
OT
Session 22
Other Topics
Part 1 - John Rawls's A Theory Of Justice
10
Jul
OT
Session 23
Other Topics
Part 1 - John Rawls's A Theory Of Justice