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 xi
... inherent logic behind each of these sets of views and the ramifications of their assumptions which lead not only to different conclusions on particular issues but also to wholly different meanings to such fundamental words as "justice ...
... inherent logic behind each of these sets of views and the ramifications of their assumptions which lead not only to different conclusions on particular issues but also to wholly different meanings to such fundamental words as "justice ...
Page 12
... inherent facts of life , the basic constraint in his vision . The fundamental moral and social challenge was to make the best of the possibilities which existed within that constraint , rather than dissipate energies in an attempt to ...
... inherent facts of life , the basic constraint in his vision . The fundamental moral and social challenge was to make the best of the possibilities which existed within that constraint , rather than dissipate energies in an attempt to ...
Page 13
... inherent in the fundamental nature of things . Similar views were expressed by Alexander Hamilton in The Federalist Papers : It is the lot of all human institutions , even those of the most perfect kind , to have defects as well as ...
... inherent in the fundamental nature of things . Similar views were expressed by Alexander Hamilton in The Federalist Papers : It is the lot of all human institutions , even those of the most perfect kind , to have defects as well as ...
Page 21
... " 45 Rousseau was certainly the most famous of those who argued on the basis of a human nature not inherently constrained to its existing limitations , but narrowed and corrupted by social Constrained and Unconstrained Visions 21.
... " 45 Rousseau was certainly the most famous of those who argued on the basis of a human nature not inherently constrained to its existing limitations , but narrowed and corrupted by social Constrained and Unconstrained Visions 21.
Page 22
... inherent constraints as to disappoint our hopes , so that existing institutions , traditions , or rulers must be responsible for dissatisfaction . Conversely , when Malthus attributed human misery to “ laws inherent in the nature of man ...
... inherent constraints as to disappoint our hopes , so that existing institutions , traditions , or rulers must be responsible for dissatisfaction . Conversely , when Malthus attributed human misery to “ laws inherent in the nature of man ...
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 |
Visions of Power 156 | 156 |
Visions of Justice 192 | 192 |
Visions Values and Paradigms 230 | 230 |
Notes 265 | 265 |
Index 307 | 307 |
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
Popular passages
Page 38 - We are afraid to put men to live and trade each on his own private stock of reason ; because we suspect that this stock in each man is small, and that the individuals would do better to avail themselves of the general bank and capital of nations, and of ages.
Page 299 - I do not doubt for a moment that by the same reasoning that would justify punishing persuasion to murder, the United States constitutionally may punish speech that produces or is intended to produce a clear and imminent danger that it will bring about forthwith certain substantive evils that the United States constitutionally may seek to prevent.
Page 26 - It may be a reflection on human nature that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary...
Page 72 - I should tell you that in my course I have known and, according to my measure, have cooperated with great men; and I have never yet seen any plan which has not been mended by the observations of those who were much inferior in understanding to the person who took the lead in the business.
Page 83 - To avoid therefore the evils of inconstancy and versatility, ten thousand times worse than those of obstinacy and the blindest prejudice, we have consecrated the state, that no man should approach to look into its defects or corruptions but with due caution; that he should never dream of beginning its reformation by its subversion; that he should approach to the faults of the state as to the wounds of a father, with pious awe and trembling...
Page 122 - It is not so with the Distribution of Wealth. That is a matter of human institution solely. The things once there, mankind, individually or collectively, can do with them as they like.
Page 192 - Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought. A theory however elegant and economical must be rejected or revised if it is untrue; likewise laws and institutions no matter how efficient and well arranged must be reformed or abolished if they are unjust.
Page 115 - ... after the productive forces have also increased with the all-round development of the individual, and all the springs of cooperative wealth flow more abundantly...
Page 21 - People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices.
Page 46 - The statesman, who should attempt to direct private people in what manner they ought to employ their capitals, would not only load himself with a most unnecessary attention, but assume an authority which could safely be trusted, not only to no single person, but to no council or senate whatever, and which would nowhere be so dangerous as in the hands of a man who had folly and presumption enough to fancy himself fit to exercise it.