Despite the fact that in liberalism and in socialism freedom is recognized as the highest value, it is interpreted by both currents in different ways. The disputes that arise between these two currents, as a result of ideological contradictions, do not subside today.
Instructions
Step 1
Liberalism and socialism look at the current stage of historical development differently. So, for liberalism, civilization, which made the individual the center of socio-economic and social life, has become a major achievement. This stage of human development is perceived by liberals as the final one. Socialism criticizes modern civilization, he considers it only a step in historical evolution, but not the last. According to socialist views, human history is just beginning, and the global goal of development is seen by socialists in overthrowing the current capitalist system and building an ideal society. That is why socialist ideas are often on the verge of utopian trends.
Step 2
Liberalism considers entrepreneurship or the right of every person to private property to be the most important of freedoms. Whereas political freedom for him is secondary in relation to economic. An ideal society for liberals is seen in ensuring equal rights and equal opportunities for each individual to achieve success and social recognition. If for liberalism freedom is identical to the individual freedom of each person, then for socialism it goes beyond the limits of private life. On the contrary, socialism is opposed to individualism and brings to the fore the idea of social cooperation.
Step 3
A great contribution of liberal doctrine to the development of society can be considered the spread of the principles of the rule of law, equality of all before the law, limited power of the state, its transparency and responsibility. In particular, liberalism rejected the previously dominant theological theory of the emergence and functioning of power, which substantiated its divine origin. If initially liberals tended to have minimal influence of the state on economic processes, then today's theories allow state intervention to solve socially significant tasks - equalizing social status, combating unemployment, ensuring equal access to education, etc. But state power, according to liberalism, exists only for the goods of the subjects and must ensure their interests.
Step 4
The socialist sees as an ideal society one in which there is no place for the exploitation of man by man, and in which social equality and justice are affirmed. According to the ideological trend, such a society can be achieved only by abolishing private property and replacing it with collective and public ones. This process should lead to a reduction in the alienation of man from the results of his labor, to eliminate the exploitation of man by man, to reduce social inequality, and also to ensure the harmonious development of each individual.
Step 5
The most common form of practical implementation of the theory of socialism is a political system based on complete state control over the economy, or the so-called command-administrative system. Now the so-called models of market socialism have become widespread, which presuppose the existence of enterprises with a collective form of ownership in a market economy.
