Articles liés à Socialism for a Sceptical Age

Socialism for a Sceptical Age - Couverture souple

Miliband, Ralph

 
9781859840573: Socialism for a Sceptical Age
Couverture souple
ISBN 10 : 1859840574 ISBN 13 : 9781859840573
Editeur : Verso Books, 1994

Synopsis

This outstanding and original volume offers a critical examination of a number of developments which in recent years have undermined the idea of socialism and eroded its electoral appeal. Among these developments are the collapse of Communist regimes, the fragmentation of the constituencies upon which earlier socialist advances had depended, changes in the organization and the dynamics of capitalism and a dearth of agencies committed to the socialist project. The book also takes up and seeks to rebut older objections to socialism, such as the notion that it is inevitably totalitarian, that it is based on too optimistic a view of human nature and that it fails to take account of the tendency of power to accumulate in the hands of minorities. The book argues that a social order dominated by the logic of capital and competition cannot, despite all the positive claims made on its behalf, produce the conditions which make true citizenship and community possible. By contrast, socialism offers an attractive and feasible programme for the realization of those ideals. Miliband argues that socialism cannot be seen as an answer to all the ills which have plagued humankind. Socialism, in his view, has to be understood as part of an age-old struggle for a more just society, and he believes that, seen in this light, socialism remains not only desirable but also perfectly possible. Moreover, he believes, socialism will, in time, come to command a majority support which its advancement requires. Socialism has to be seen as a permanent striving for the achievement of democracy, egalitarianism and the creation of an economy under democratic control.

Les informations fournies dans la section « Synopsis » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

Présentation de l'éditeur

This outstanding and original volume offers a critical examination of a number of developments which in recent years have undermined the idea of socialism and eroded its electoral appeal. Among these developments are the collapse of Communist regimes, the fragmentation of the constituencies upon which earlier socialist advances had depended, changes in the organization and the dynamics of capitalism and a dearth of agencies committed to the socialist project. The book also takes up and seeks to rebut older objections to socialism, such as the notion that it is inevitably totalitarian, that it is based on too optimistic a view of human nature and that it fails to take account of the tendency of power to accumulate in the hands of minorities.

The book argues that a social order dominated by the logic of capital and competition cannot, despite all the positive claims made on its behalf, produce the conditions which make true citizenship and community possible. By contrast, socialism offers an attractive and feasible programme for the realization of those ideals. Miliband argues that socialism cannot be seen as an answer to all the ills which have plagued humankind. Socialism, in his view, has to be understood as part of an age-old struggle for a more just society, and he believes that, seen in this light, socialism remains not only desirable but also perfectly possible. Moreover, he believes, socialism will, in time, come to command a majority support which its advancement requires. Socialism has to be seen as a permanent striving for the achievement of democracy, egalitarianism and the creation of an economy under democratic control.

Revue de presse

′ Socialism for a Sceptical Age is in some sort Miliband′s political testament. Starting from the far left rather than the revisionist or ′new times′ right, cosmopolitan rather than parochial, concerned with reinventing socialism rather rewriting Clause Four, Miliband still comes uncannily close to converging on the common sense of Labour politics.′ New Statesman and Society

′His last book is a valuable contribution to an ongoing debate. I strongly recommend everyone interested in politics to read it and discuss its ideas.′ New Times

′The excesses of privatization, and the decline in public provision of health, education and transport, are causing a reassessment of the market–led revolution of the 1980s. Miliband′s thoughtful, well–written tract is a contribution tothat reassessment.′ Political Studies

′Contributes to academic analysis, while also providing food for thought ... Miliband′s final work is important and challenging.′ Contemporary Politics

′Miliband at his best as a critic of capitalism and a defender of socialism.′ Green Left

′His last work is invaluable reading ... this book leaves one′s thinking rejuvenated ... As with all Miliband′s writing, it is concise and easy to read as well as being intellectually stimulating ... I cannot recommend it too highly.′ Critical Social Policy

Les informations fournies dans la section « A propos du livre » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

Éditeur
Verso Books
Date d'édition
1994
Langue
anglais
ISBN 10 
1859840574
ISBN 13 
9781859840573
Reliure
Broché
Nombre de pages
222
Coordonnées du fabricant
non disponible
Personne responsable
Terminal Video
n.pederzini@terminaldistribuzione.com

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