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Socialism: A Logical Introduction
Tackling perhaps the most contentious and socially urgent political movement of the last century, Scott R. Sehon lays bare the arguments for and against socialism, investigating their logical scaffolding and revealing exactly what is assumed in charged and often vital discussions of labor conditions and human well-being. Sehon provides a straightforward presentation and logical analysis of the arguments to make very clear which arguments work, and which do not.
While the book aims to be fair to the arguments from both sides, Sehon ultimately sides with socialism and maintains that the arguments indicate that we should move in a strongly democratic socialist direction. Nearly every contemporary counterclaim to socialism is addressed and interrogated, and even the more dubious arguments in favor of socialism are taken up. Naturally, the defender of capitalism will deny these premises and claim that capitalism better promotes human well-being; many capitalists also claim that socialism does violate individual rights, particularly property rights. The bulk of the book sorts through the data and arguments on both sides, considering arguments from philosophers such as G.A. Cohen, Ronald Dworkin, David Schweickart, John Tomasi, and Jonathan Wolff, as well as prominent economists such as Milton Friedman and F.A. Hayek. The reader of Socialism will find a clear introduction to one of the most crucial social movements of our time.
While the book aims to be fair to the arguments from both sides, Sehon ultimately sides with socialism and maintains that the arguments indicate that we should move in a strongly democratic socialist direction. Nearly every contemporary counterclaim to socialism is addressed and interrogated, and even the more dubious arguments in favor of socialism are taken up. Naturally, the defender of capitalism will deny these premises and claim that capitalism better promotes human well-being; many capitalists also claim that socialism does violate individual rights, particularly property rights. The bulk of the book sorts through the data and arguments on both sides, considering arguments from philosophers such as G.A. Cohen, Ronald Dworkin, David Schweickart, John Tomasi, and Jonathan Wolff, as well as prominent economists such as Milton Friedman and F.A. Hayek. The reader of Socialism will find a clear introduction to one of the most crucial social movements of our time.
268 pages, Hardcover
Published February 28, 2024
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January 17, 2025
Unfortunately my reading experience was quite diminished by the "accessibility" of this text. It was unchallenging and often fell short of my desired critical depth. While I have no doubt this was a result of its intended introductory purpose, I believe my complaints are still worth mentioning.
Clearly intended for newcomers & "moderates," it is not particularly radical or intersectional, and is charged with some concerning neoliberal undertones. This is packaged in a facetious tone which, while occasionally amusing, often feels in poor taste.
Additionally, while this book admits from the get-go to leaving a lot of important things out of the conversation (such as anything regarding Marx or the history of socialism), I was still disappointed at various times throughout when the author would appear to bring an interesting and relevant subject into the argument (anarchism, for example) only to immediately dismiss it and not mention it again.
Overall, it would be a fine book to give to a centrist relative in order to sway them further to the left — but if you actually desire a deep engagement with the revolutionary praxis, you may want to read something less limited.
Clearly intended for newcomers & "moderates," it is not particularly radical or intersectional, and is charged with some concerning neoliberal undertones. This is packaged in a facetious tone which, while occasionally amusing, often feels in poor taste.
Additionally, while this book admits from the get-go to leaving a lot of important things out of the conversation (such as anything regarding Marx or the history of socialism), I was still disappointed at various times throughout when the author would appear to bring an interesting and relevant subject into the argument (anarchism, for example) only to immediately dismiss it and not mention it again.
Overall, it would be a fine book to give to a centrist relative in order to sway them further to the left — but if you actually desire a deep engagement with the revolutionary praxis, you may want to read something less limited.
Displaying 1 of 1 review