Cohen 1.0

Basic Socialist Claim

Workers should control the means of production, not a separate capitalist class.

Socialism as Moral Critique

Socialism critiques capitalism for its structure and moral implications.

Capitalist Ownership

The bulk of the means of production is privately owned and controlled.

Labor Power in Capitalism

Individuals legally own their labor power.

Role of Markets in Capitalism

Markets allocate inputs/outputs and determine use of productive surplus.

Class Division in Capitalism

Capitalists and workers are divided by bargaining, conflict, or subordination.

Capitalist Economic Goal

Production is oriented toward capital accumulation and profit.

Socialist Economic Goal

Means of production are under social or democratic control.

Harry the Fisherman

Represents inequality from natural talent.

Sylvia’s Apple Trees

Represents inequality from discovery.

Leslie the Nut-Cracker

Represents inequality from special skill.

Morgan Daddy’s Girl

Represents inequality from inheritance.

Socialist Equality of Opportunity (Cohen)

Corrects for all unchosen disadvantages.

Acceptable Inequality: Preference

Yes—inequality from personal preference is acceptable.

Acceptable Inequality: Regrettable Choice

Mostly acceptable—if based on informed decisions.

Acceptable Inequality: Luck Option

No—inequality from luck is not acceptable.

Principle of Community

People care for one another and care that they care.

Objection: Camping Trip Intuition

Lifelong arrangements may not reflect short-term camping ethics.

Objection: Community vs. Justice

Cohen’s demand that all care for everyone is morally demanding.

Rawls and Nozick on Community

They allow voluntary community groups, not mandatory societal care.

Cohen’s Universal Care Claim

Everyone must care for even self-destructive individuals.