A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political StrugglesBasic Books, 2007 M06 5 - 352 pages Thomas Sowell’s “extraordinary” explication of the competing visions of human nature lie at the heart of our political conflicts (New York Times) Controversies in politics arise from many sources, but the conflicts that endure for generations or centuries show a remarkably consistent pattern. In this classic work, Thomas Sowell analyzes this pattern. He describes the two competing visions that shape our debates about the nature of reason, justice, equality, and power: the "constrained" vision, which sees human nature as unchanging and selfish, and the "unconstrained" vision, in which human nature is malleable and perfectible. A Conflict of Visions offers a convincing case that ethical and policy disputes circle around the disparity between both outlooks. |
From inside the book
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Page 12
... benefit to the Chinese . Smith said : " Nature , it seems , when she loaded us with our own sorrows , thought that they were enough , and therefore did not command us to take any further ... benefits desired could be 12 A CONFLICT OF VISIONS.
... benefit to the Chinese . Smith said : " Nature , it seems , when she loaded us with our own sorrows , thought that they were enough , and therefore did not command us to take any further ... benefits desired could be 12 A CONFLICT OF VISIONS.
Page 13
Ideological Origins of Political Struggles Thomas Sowell. determine how the moral and social benefits desired could be produced in the most efficient way , within that constraint . Smith approached the production and distribution of ...
Ideological Origins of Political Struggles Thomas Sowell. determine how the moral and social benefits desired could be produced in the most efficient way , within that constraint . Smith approached the production and distribution of ...
Page 14
... benefits to society were largely unintended by individuals, but emerged systemically from the interactions of the marketplace, under the pressures of competition and the incentives of individual gain.10 Moral sentiments were necessary ...
... benefits to society were largely unintended by individuals, but emerged systemically from the interactions of the marketplace, under the pressures of competition and the incentives of individual gain.10 Moral sentiments were necessary ...
Page 15
... benefits. Godwin regarded the intention to benefit others as being “of the essence of virtue,”11 and virtue in turn as being the road to human happiness. Unintentional social benefits were treated by Godwin as scarcely worthy of notice ...
... benefits. Godwin regarded the intention to benefit others as being “of the essence of virtue,”11 and virtue in turn as being the road to human happiness. Unintentional social benefits were treated by Godwin as scarcely worthy of notice ...
Page 17
... benefits were ephemeral or illusory . The " hope of reward " and " fear of punishment " were , in Godwin's vision , " wrong in themselves " and " inimical to the improvement of the mind . " 19 In this , Godwin was seconded by another ...
... benefits were ephemeral or illusory . The " hope of reward " and " fear of punishment " were , in Godwin's vision , " wrong in themselves " and " inimical to the improvement of the mind . " 19 In this , Godwin was seconded by another ...
Contents
3 | |
9 | |
Visions of Knowledge and Reason 36 | 36 |
Visions of Social Processes 69 | 69 |
Varieties and Dynamics of Visions 102 | 102 |
APPLICATIONS | 131 |
Visions of Equality 133 | 133 |
Other editions - View all
A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles Thomas Sowell Limited preview - 2002 |
A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles Thomas Sowell Limited preview - 2007 |
Common terms and phrases
According to Godwin According to Hayek Adam Smith Alexander Hamilton Antoine-Nicolas de Condorcet articulated rationality assumptions benefits Bernard Shaw capabilities causation centuries Chicago Press conceived concept Concerning Political Justice conclusions conflict of visions constrained and unconstrained crime economic Edmund Burke Enquiry Concerning Political equality evidence evolved example existing F. A. Hayek Federalist Papers freedom Historical Picture Hobbes human nature Ibid incentives individual inequality inherent intellectual and moral interests issues John Kenneth Galbraith Legislation and Liberty limitations locus of discretion logic Malthus man’s masses means Milton Friedman Moral Sentiments Myrdal P. T. Bauer particular principles property rights Reflections regarded Revolution in France role Ronald Dworkin rules seen simply social justice social processes social results social visions society specific surrogate decision-makers systemic processes Theory of Moral Third World Thomas Sowell trade-off tradition Tribe unconstrained vision University of Chicago value premises vision of human William Godwin York