With SFL host Elizabeth Hayes, I discuss socialism’s history, ethics, politics, and economics. The discussion was sponsored by Students for Liberty and The Atlas Society. Questions we cover:
* What is socialism?
* What are the major versions of socialism today? Communism? National Socialism? Democratic socialism?
* What attracts many people to socialism, especially young people?
* How relevant is the history of socialist practice?
* What about Sweden, Canada, etc.—don’t they show that semi-socialism can work?
* Why does socialism fail consistently?
* Is socialism totally bad, or does it have some redeeming features?
* On the motivations for socialism: Isn’t it about caring for others, especially the least well off?
* What was Ayn Rand’s personal experience of socialism in the early Soviet Union?
* What’s most important in combating socialism: economics, history, politics, philosophy?
Here are cross-posted links at the Facebook pages of Students for Liberty and The Atlas Society. Ms. Hayes’s introduction begins about four minutes into the video.
I can’t get this to play, but I’d love to listen! Am I missing a link? When I hover over the image with the play symbol, it doesn’t appear to be hyperlinked….
Hi Sherridon: Starts at around 4 minutes: https://www.facebook.com/AtlasSociety/videos/10156486674055351/