Liberal Solidarity
Liberal Solidarity:
The Political Economy of Social Democratic Liberalism
Geoffrey M. Hodgson
Published 2021 by Edward Elgar
Outline
The twenty first century has seen major challenges to freedom and democracy. Authoritarianism is on the rise and democracy is in retreat. Some promote individualism and markets as the solution to almost every problem. On the other side there are those who champion collectivism and full public ownership. Neither side is convincing. Unrestrained capitalism has exacerbated inequality. Socialism in practice has ended democracy. Effective defenders of liberty and human flourishing must find a different course. This book argues for a pragmatic, social democratic liberalism that avoids unrealistic extremes and tackles major problems such as inequality and climate change.
"Large scale socialism has failed, but markets alone are not the solution, says Geoffrey Hodgson in this highly engaging and readable book. To meet the many challenges we face today, what we need is 'liberal solidarity,' or what he calls a regenerated form of 'social democratic liberalism'.
We must begin by recognizing one essential fact: Bentham was wrong. Human beings are not just pleasure-seeking, utility-maximizing creatures. They have deep moral sentiments and dispositions that cause them to understand their obligations to others.
Full of insights and suggestions, this is a compelling read."
A comment by a reader:
"Liberal Solidarity is a fascinating book that not only covers political thought, but also many compelling philosophical debates, such as how altruism and self-interest exist alongside each other and many economic and sociological topics of vital importance including inequality and climate change. A wide range of thinkers from across both time and the ideological and philosophical spectrum are included such as Thomas Paine, John Stuart Mill, Karl Marx, Friedrich Hayek and Ayn Rand. While there may be arguments in this book that the reader might disagree with, it is very well written throughout, and it would still be hard to firmly disagree with the general argument that Hodgson makes that Social Democratic Liberalism is the best way forward at a global and national level."
Alistair Philpot
Contents
Preface
1. Introduction
2. On the evolution and diversity of liberalisms
3. On the rights and wrongs of individualism
4. Liberty, autonomy and needs
5. The worm that is gnawing at the insides of our civilization
6. The evolution of human nature and moral judgment
7. Markets, motivations and morality
8. Is everything already a market?
9. The necessity of democracy – and its limits
10. Capitalism, socialism and the climate crisis
11. Reducing inequality – and a general conclusion
References
Preface
1. Introduction
2. On the evolution and diversity of liberalisms
3. On the rights and wrongs of individualism
4. Liberty, autonomy and needs
5. The worm that is gnawing at the insides of our civilization
6. The evolution of human nature and moral judgment
7. Markets, motivations and morality
8. Is everything already a market?
9. The necessity of democracy – and its limits
10. Capitalism, socialism and the climate crisis
11. Reducing inequality – and a general conclusion
References