Chapter 23

Chapter 23 -- Section 1

How did philosophy approach the new industrial world?

1. Laissez-faire -- (French for "let do" or "let them alone") Adam Smith was the first to explain capitalism and Laissez faire. In The Wealth of Nations he explained that the motivation for labor was self-interest, so allowing others to act on self interest would bring about progress. Follow the simple laws of supply and demand and competition to promote quality.

others (Malthus and Ricardo) believed that poverty was unavoidable. The population would always grow beyond the resources available.

Religious leaders demanded better conditions for women and children (1847 ten hour work day)

2. Utilitarianism -- Jeremy Bentham looked to provide the greatest number of happiness for the greatest number of people.

3. Socialism -- A society in which the workers own, manage, and control production. The first were utopian socialist -- cooperation replaces competition.

4. Marxism -- History advances through class conflict. Production was at the base of every social order. Social systems developed as a result of a societies economic base. History was based on class struggle. No ruling class would give up the means of production.

Marx was a historical scientist. He looked at history form a research perspective. We were not forced into any specific history, but instead, we became who we are because of the specific, self interest driven choices of individuals. He set out the progression of this experience in four stages:

Primitive -- people produced only what they needed to live. No exploitation or classes.
Slave -- Tools developed and people were able to create surplus. This made it possible for a person to do enough work to create resources for two. Classes developed out of this where a class of slaves worked to provide for masters. (Egypt, the Greeks, Rome). Master, military, and slave class.
Feudal -- Nobles allowed farmers to use their land in exchange for goods. These serfs were slaves for all practical purposes.
Capitalist -- The development of the industrial age, many people come to cities and produce in factories for long hours. They receive small wages and in return provide an excellent living for the few that own the means of production.

Marx believed that the classes would eventually spilt to the point that the masses would rise up out of disgust and take the means of production from the ruling class. The masses would then achieve Communism "From each according to his ability. to each according to his needs."

Instead of this occurring, the workers earned the right to vote and change the worst of evils apparent in capitalism. Labor unions formed and the workers were able to secure rights.

Instructional activities:

Discuss the isms and use examples of each --
1. Ensure that the students understand the problems of the Industrial revolution
use "Joe worker and Jane worker as the example"

2. Laissez-faire - Adam Smith capitalism.
Joe makes erasers and everyone wants one -- expensive
others begin to make erasers and pay workers to help create them. competition begins and everyone works to create the best cheapest erasers. Everyone works to receive pay so that they can get food and shelter. If you do not work, you receive nothing, but if you work hard, you get more than others.

3. Utilitarianism - Bentham most happiness for the most people.

4. Socialism - workers control.

5. Marxism - Historical role playing. the idea of class conflict.

6. Mother Goose--
Write a two line poem for each of the four society definitions.

7. Charles Schulz
    Draw a picture for each stage of Marxist historical class conflict.
    Primitive - no classes, provide for yourself -- Cavemen.
    Slave - Classes were: Master, Slave, Priest, Soldier
    Feudal - King, Nobles, Priests, Peasants, Serfs, Military.
    Capitalist - Royalty, Priests, Military, Middle Class, Workers.

To Contact Scott Bennett Please E-Mail : sbennet3@gonzaga.edu
All weekdays I am in School from 7:30 AM to around 4:00 PM unless otherwise noted.
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