Q: If the consumer can purchase a better product, for a less expense, both of monetary and environmental value, then why do the producers restrict the consumers to an overflowing market of antiquated, overpriced products?
A: " It is, for example, at least conceivable that the British automobile industry might be able to supply a car cheaper and better than cars to be in the United States if everyone in England were made to use the same kind of car or that the use of electricity for all purposes could be made cheaper than coal or gas if everybody could be made to use only electricity. In instances like these it is at least possible that we might all be better off and should prefer the new situation if we had the choice-but that no individual ever gets the choice, because the alternative is either that we should all use the same cheap car ( or all should use only electricity) or that we should have the choice between these things with each of them at a much higher price. I do not know whether this is true in either of the instances given. But it must be admitted that it is possible that, by compulsory standardization or the Prohibition of variety beyond a certain degree, abundance might be increased in some fields more than sufficiently to compensate for the restriction of the choice of the consumer. It is even conceivable that a new invention may be made some day whose adoption would seem unquestionably beneficial but which could be used only if many or all people were mad to avail themselves or it at the same time."(hayek,57-58).
Friday, June 29, 2007
adrian ch-5
Q: If democracy retains ultimate control, then are the essentials of democracy truly not affected?
A: " ' The only way in which a planned society differs from that of the nineteenth century is that more and more spheres of social life, and ultimately each and all of them, are subjected to state control. But if a few controls can be held in check by parliamentary sovereignty, so can many.... In a democratic state sovereignty an be boundlessly strengthened by plenary powers without renouncing democratic control.' "(hayek,76)
A: " ' The only way in which a planned society differs from that of the nineteenth century is that more and more spheres of social life, and ultimately each and all of them, are subjected to state control. But if a few controls can be held in check by parliamentary sovereignty, so can many.... In a democratic state sovereignty an be boundlessly strengthened by plenary powers without renouncing democratic control.' "(hayek,76)
adrian ch-6
Q: If every man may engage in any lawful occupation and he is entitled to paid employment and to a free choice whenever there is any variety of employment open to him, who decides what jobs are open to certain individuals?
A: The answer is not set in a socialist state, and any bias or ruling to decide so would lead directly to a totalitarianism state (hayek, 94-96).
A: The answer is not set in a socialist state, and any bias or ruling to decide so would lead directly to a totalitarianism state (hayek, 94-96).
adrian c-7
Q: Why is it-the belief that economic maters only affect the less important ends of life- is justified in a market/free economy, and not in a totalitarianism market?
A: " So long as we can freely dispose over our income and all our possessions, economic loss will always deprive us only of what we regard as the least important of the desires we were able to satisfy."(Hayek, 99)
A: " So long as we can freely dispose over our income and all our possessions, economic loss will always deprive us only of what we regard as the least important of the desires we were able to satisfy."(Hayek, 99)
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Caroline P. Ch-7
Q: What is the difference between "competitive" and "directed" economies?
A: In a competitive economy, if the price of an item is much too high one place, we can go somewhere else to find a cost more suited to our needs and wants. Everyone wants the same "end" but may go about it my a different "mean" (103). However, in a directed economy, the "authority" supervises and controls the flow of the economy so that some ends are realized and others are not (i.e. if anyone has read 1984, where the main character was not allowed to have a journal because the government thought they could cause rebellion, and therefore banned the production and purchasing of journals) (103). Personally, I'd like to have the competitive economy.
A: In a competitive economy, if the price of an item is much too high one place, we can go somewhere else to find a cost more suited to our needs and wants. Everyone wants the same "end" but may go about it my a different "mean" (103). However, in a directed economy, the "authority" supervises and controls the flow of the economy so that some ends are realized and others are not (i.e. if anyone has read 1984, where the main character was not allowed to have a journal because the government thought they could cause rebellion, and therefore banned the production and purchasing of journals) (103). Personally, I'd like to have the competitive economy.
Caroline P. Ch-6
Q: What power does the "planning authority"have by not setting up formal rules?
A: Formal rules are made in advance so that the actions of the state in any instance can be forseen by the individual depending on the time and place of their actions (80-81). The "planning authority" cannot uphold such rules because if they are to guide people towards one common goal, they must be an "arbitrary government" and therefore if they did first lay down rules to be known ahead of time, it would not be able to weild the power they want over their citizens. This also leaves an out for them to be discriminatory to certain groups or peoples simply because they must make up rules as they go, and therefore choose someone's views over another's in a dispute (82).
A: Formal rules are made in advance so that the actions of the state in any instance can be forseen by the individual depending on the time and place of their actions (80-81). The "planning authority" cannot uphold such rules because if they are to guide people towards one common goal, they must be an "arbitrary government" and therefore if they did first lay down rules to be known ahead of time, it would not be able to weild the power they want over their citizens. This also leaves an out for them to be discriminatory to certain groups or peoples simply because they must make up rules as they go, and therefore choose someone's views over another's in a dispute (82).
Caroline P. Ch-5
Q: What aspect of democracy leaves an opening for planning to find a way into America?
A: The ability of the will of the majority to be the determining factor in any decision. "Yet agreement that planning is necessary, together with the inabillity of democratic assemblies to produce a plan, will evoke atronger and stronger demands that the government or some single individual should be given powers to act on their own responsibility [...] if things are to get done, the responsible authorites must be freed from the fetters of democratic procedure." (75)
A: The ability of the will of the majority to be the determining factor in any decision. "Yet agreement that planning is necessary, together with the inabillity of democratic assemblies to produce a plan, will evoke atronger and stronger demands that the government or some single individual should be given powers to act on their own responsibility [...] if things are to get done, the responsible authorites must be freed from the fetters of democratic procedure." (75)
Kelsey Marsh: Ch. 6
Q: If the formal rules of a country are not aimed at a specific population of a country as a whole then who are they aimed for?
A: The formal rules are amied at the country as a whole in general because it doesnt benifit just one race. The rules of a country such as the ones in america are meant to help the entire population regardless of its race to make a stronger, more powerful, better country for the people to live in. The goal of a country is to help its people not for people to help its government. if a country dictated laws to benifit only a single race then that particular country would be biased and therefore not be equal. the formal rule is meant to be for all people and is not restrited by any bounries to one particular race.l
A: The formal rules are amied at the country as a whole in general because it doesnt benifit just one race. The rules of a country such as the ones in america are meant to help the entire population regardless of its race to make a stronger, more powerful, better country for the people to live in. The goal of a country is to help its people not for people to help its government. if a country dictated laws to benifit only a single race then that particular country would be biased and therefore not be equal. the formal rule is meant to be for all people and is not restrited by any bounries to one particular race.l
Caroline P. Ch-4
Q: What is the planners' reason for the "inevitability of planning"? Why has this belief spread and what factual evidence disputes it?
A: "technological changes have made competition impossible in a constantly increasing number of fields and that the only choice left to us is between control of production by private monopolies and direction by the government." (49)
As for a dispute of this theory, look at the passage from the Final Report and Recommendations of the Temporary National Economic Committee on page 51.
A: "technological changes have made competition impossible in a constantly increasing number of fields and that the only choice left to us is between control of production by private monopolies and direction by the government." (49)
As for a dispute of this theory, look at the passage from the Final Report and Recommendations of the Temporary National Economic Committee on page 51.
Kelsey Marsh: Ch. 7
"If all rewards, instead of being offered in money, were offered in the form of public distinctions or privileges, positions of power over other men, or better housing or btter food, opportunities for travel or education, this would merely mean that the recipient would no longer be allowed to choose and that whoever fixed the reward determined not only its size but also the particular form in which it should be enjoyed"(99).
Q: When currency was not available in countries and people were forced to trade goods for services and vice versa was one of the reasons for creating currencies because they wanted to have the freedom to choose what public distinctions they wanted to have?
A: I believe that currency was created so that the people of the countries could do what they wanted with their work more freely. With the currencies people could choose what they did with their labor instead of being forced to do what the public destinction restricted them to do. with these new found freedoms the people of the country have new found rights they feel they havew deserved for a while. the creation of this currency also creates an economy to balance, creating an overall better country for them to live in.
Q: When currency was not available in countries and people were forced to trade goods for services and vice versa was one of the reasons for creating currencies because they wanted to have the freedom to choose what public distinctions they wanted to have?
A: I believe that currency was created so that the people of the countries could do what they wanted with their work more freely. With the currencies people could choose what they did with their labor instead of being forced to do what the public destinction restricted them to do. with these new found freedoms the people of the country have new found rights they feel they havew deserved for a while. the creation of this currency also creates an economy to balance, creating an overall better country for them to live in.
Erin C-7
Q: What consolation do our planners offer us about their economic plan?
A: "[T]hat this this authoritarian direction will apply 'only' to economic matters." (97)
A: "[T]hat this this authoritarian direction will apply 'only' to economic matters." (97)
Erin C-6
Q: Why can't the ideal of the Rule of Law be perfectly achieved?
A: "[The] legislators as well as those to whom the administration of the law is entrusted are fallible men[.]" (80)
Quick question: Could this also say that the reason the ideals of the Catholic church can never be achieved is because the pope is, infact, fallible?
A: "[The] legislators as well as those to whom the administration of the law is entrusted are fallible men[.]" (80)
Quick question: Could this also say that the reason the ideals of the Catholic church can never be achieved is because the pope is, infact, fallible?
Erin C-5
Q: How do the various kinds of collectivism, communism, facism, etc., differ among themselves?
A: [They] differ among themselves in the nature of the goal toward which they want to direct the efforts of society. (63)
A: [They] differ among themselves in the nature of the goal toward which they want to direct the efforts of society. (63)
Kelsey Marsh: Ch.5
"The cry for an economic dictator is a characteristic stage in the movement toward planning."
Q: Does the want for an economic dictator which moves you towards planning, knowing that competition determines the plans, mean that you can co-exsist a plan against the competition with no plan, since democracy has the plan against the competition (the dictator) and the dictatorship really has no plan except for that of the dictator himself?
"Hitler did not have to destroy democracy; he merely took advantage of the decay of democracy and at the critical moment obtained the support of many to whom, though they detested Hitler, he yet seemed the only man strong enough to get things done"(76). (Good Quote! Its an interesting way of thinking one i haven't thought of before).
A: Basically you have no plan and a plan against competition at the same time because the democracy in this case works together as a whole using a plan against competition and the dictator himself is the competition while the people who are under his rule have no plan because they have no say in anything due to living under a dictatorship. For example Hitler was the competition and everybody against him came up with a plan against competiton by working as a whole to cancel out his plans, while the nazi's really had no plan because they were just following the dictator.
Q: Does the want for an economic dictator which moves you towards planning, knowing that competition determines the plans, mean that you can co-exsist a plan against the competition with no plan, since democracy has the plan against the competition (the dictator) and the dictatorship really has no plan except for that of the dictator himself?
"Hitler did not have to destroy democracy; he merely took advantage of the decay of democracy and at the critical moment obtained the support of many to whom, though they detested Hitler, he yet seemed the only man strong enough to get things done"(76). (Good Quote! Its an interesting way of thinking one i haven't thought of before).
A: Basically you have no plan and a plan against competition at the same time because the democracy in this case works together as a whole using a plan against competition and the dictator himself is the competition while the people who are under his rule have no plan because they have no say in anything due to living under a dictatorship. For example Hitler was the competition and everybody against him came up with a plan against competiton by working as a whole to cancel out his plans, while the nazi's really had no plan because they were just following the dictator.
Erin C-4
Q: "Most [planners] affirm that we can no longer choose but are compelled by circumstances beyond our control to substitute planning for competition." (49) Why is this argument rarely developed?
A: [I]t is one of the assertions taken over by one writer from another until, by by mere iteration, it has come to be accepted as an established fact. It is, nevertheless, devoid oa any 'objective facts' beyind our control but the product of opinions fostered and propagated for half a century until they have come to dominate all our policy." (49)
A: [I]t is one of the assertions taken over by one writer from another until, by by mere iteration, it has come to be accepted as an established fact. It is, nevertheless, devoid oa any 'objective facts' beyind our control but the product of opinions fostered and propagated for half a century until they have come to dominate all our policy." (49)
Kelsey Marsh: Ch. 4
Q: The people who believe that competition determines the plans, do they make a plan at all or just make one around the competition?
A: If they dont make a plan at all they automatically amount to failure. However if they make a plan based on and around the competition they are merely predicting a course of action according to what they think will happen which in the end could also lead to failure since there is no telling what will happen in the future. So i guess basically you have to decide which failure has less consequences.
A: If they dont make a plan at all they automatically amount to failure. However if they make a plan based on and around the competition they are merely predicting a course of action according to what they think will happen which in the end could also lead to failure since there is no telling what will happen in the future. So i guess basically you have to decide which failure has less consequences.
Jesselman chapter 7
Q: What can be seen as a plus of a free economy?
A: "Once we realize that there is no separate economic motive and that an economic gain or economic loss is merely a gain or a loss where it is still in our power to decide which of our needs or desires shall be affected, it is also easier to see the important kernal of truth in the general belief that economic matters affect only the less important ends of life and to understand the contempt in which 'merely' economic considerations are often held. In a sense this is quite justified in a market economy - but only in such a free economy. So long as we can freely dispose over our income and all our possessions, economic loss will always deprive us only of what we regard as the least important of the desires we were able to satisfy"(99).
A: "Once we realize that there is no separate economic motive and that an economic gain or economic loss is merely a gain or a loss where it is still in our power to decide which of our needs or desires shall be affected, it is also easier to see the important kernal of truth in the general belief that economic matters affect only the less important ends of life and to understand the contempt in which 'merely' economic considerations are often held. In a sense this is quite justified in a market economy - but only in such a free economy. So long as we can freely dispose over our income and all our possessions, economic loss will always deprive us only of what we regard as the least important of the desires we were able to satisfy"(99).
Jesselman chapter 6
Q:How can recognition of individual rights lose significance in a state with complete economic control?
A:"It has been shown [in various Central Europeean countries] that it is possible to pursue a policy of ruthless discrimination against national minorities by the use of recognized intruments of economic policy without ever infringing the letter of the statuatory protection of minority rights.This oppression by means of economic policy was greatly facilitated by the fact that particular industries or activities were largely in the hands of a national minority, so that many a measure aimed obstensibly against an industry or class was in fact aimed at a national minority"(96).
A:"It has been shown [in various Central Europeean countries] that it is possible to pursue a policy of ruthless discrimination against national minorities by the use of recognized intruments of economic policy without ever infringing the letter of the statuatory protection of minority rights.This oppression by means of economic policy was greatly facilitated by the fact that particular industries or activities were largely in the hands of a national minority, so that many a measure aimed obstensibly against an industry or class was in fact aimed at a national minority"(96).
Jesselman chapter 5
Q: what is one of the problems of democracy?
A: "It may be the unanimously expressed will fo the people that its parliment should prepare a comprehensive economic plan, yet neither the people nor its representatives need therefore be able to argee on any particular plan. THe inability of democratic assemblies to carry out what seems to be a clear mandate of the people will inevitabley cause dissatisfaction with democratic institutions. Parliments come to be regarded as ineffective"talking shops," unable or incompetent to carry out the tasks for which they have been chosen. The conviction grows that if efficient planning is to be done, the direction must be "taken out of politics" and placed in the hands of experts - permanent officials or independent autonomous bodies"(69-70).
A: "It may be the unanimously expressed will fo the people that its parliment should prepare a comprehensive economic plan, yet neither the people nor its representatives need therefore be able to argee on any particular plan. THe inability of democratic assemblies to carry out what seems to be a clear mandate of the people will inevitabley cause dissatisfaction with democratic institutions. Parliments come to be regarded as ineffective"talking shops," unable or incompetent to carry out the tasks for which they have been chosen. The conviction grows that if efficient planning is to be done, the direction must be "taken out of politics" and placed in the hands of experts - permanent officials or independent autonomous bodies"(69-70).
Jesselman chapter 4
Q: where does the movement for planning get its present strength and what is a problem with it?
A:"the movement for planning owes its present strength largely to the fact that, while planning is in the main still an ambition, it unites almost all the single-minded idealists, all the men and women who have devoted their lives to a sinlge task. The hopes they place in plannning, however, are the result not of a comprehensive view of our society but rather of a very limited view and often the result of a great exaggeration of the importance of the events they place foremost. This is not to underrate the great pragmatic value of this type of men in a free society like ours, which makes them the subject of just admiration. But it would make the very men who are most anxious to plan society the most dangerous if they were allowed to do so - and the most intolerant of the planning of others" (62).
A:"the movement for planning owes its present strength largely to the fact that, while planning is in the main still an ambition, it unites almost all the single-minded idealists, all the men and women who have devoted their lives to a sinlge task. The hopes they place in plannning, however, are the result not of a comprehensive view of our society but rather of a very limited view and often the result of a great exaggeration of the importance of the events they place foremost. This is not to underrate the great pragmatic value of this type of men in a free society like ours, which makes them the subject of just admiration. But it would make the very men who are most anxious to plan society the most dangerous if they were allowed to do so - and the most intolerant of the planning of others" (62).
Victor Tran Ch.7
Q:What is the aim of planning?
A:"[T]he professed aim of planningwould be that man should cease to be mere means...since it would be impossible it take account in the plan of individual likes and dislikes-the individual becomes mere means, the be used by authority in the service of such abstractions as the "social welfare" or the "good of the community""(p.106).
A:"[T]he professed aim of planningwould be that man should cease to be mere means...since it would be impossible it take account in the plan of individual likes and dislikes-the individual becomes mere means, the be used by authority in the service of such abstractions as the "social welfare" or the "good of the community""(p.106).
Austendo's chapters 4 through 7
I am posting austen's questions because he is on vacation and not exposed to internet.
Chapter 4
Q- Why does our society prefer a slow, broad afvance to our goals over a focusing all of our energies on a single aspect?
A - The movement toward planning tends to separate and delegate authority and responsibility in groups and governments. Today's government is and example. Instead of the entirety of the system focusing on only education, for example, and nothing else, we have set aside a special group focused solely on developing education. The separate judicial, legislative and executive branches delegate and spread the efforts to accomplish many things at once." we all find it difficult to bear to see things left undone which everybody must admit are both desirable and possible"(60).
Chapter 5
Q-Why is the 'common good' not an adequete term to use when trying to organize a society?
A-Saying "we are working towards the commonn good" sounds nice and helpful, but it does not give a specific goal to focus on. "the welfare of the people, like the happiness of a man, depends on a great many things that can be provided in an infinite variety of combinations"(64). Yet all the members of that societymay not have the same ideals that provide for their own personal good. In order to find what would provide for said common good, "every one of our needs [must be] given its rank un an order of values..."(64)
Chapter 6
Q- The Rule of Law is, "that government in all its actions is bound by rules fixed and anounced beforehard"(80). Following this rule, what would the converse of this Law be?
A- If the Rule of Law states that governments have to follow rules made beforehand, then the converso would be ex post facto, to validate actions after they have occured.
Chapter 7
Q- There is no questions that our society could relieve much of the trouble and discord in the world. Yet, why is little or no action taken to solve solvable problems?
A Without a doubt, we could solve many problems in today's society. THe question is, "are we willing to pay the price necessary". "to take only one exapmle: we could, of course, reduce the casualties by automobile accidents to zero if we were willing to bear the cost - if in no other way- by abolishing automobiles. And the same is true of thousands of other instances in which we are constantly risking life and health and all the fine values fo the spirit, of ourselves and of our fellow- men, to further what we at the same time contempltuously describe as our material comfort"(107). We have to be able to sacrifice our own comforts to help better society.
Chapter 4
Q- Why does our society prefer a slow, broad afvance to our goals over a focusing all of our energies on a single aspect?
A - The movement toward planning tends to separate and delegate authority and responsibility in groups and governments. Today's government is and example. Instead of the entirety of the system focusing on only education, for example, and nothing else, we have set aside a special group focused solely on developing education. The separate judicial, legislative and executive branches delegate and spread the efforts to accomplish many things at once." we all find it difficult to bear to see things left undone which everybody must admit are both desirable and possible"(60).
Chapter 5
Q-Why is the 'common good' not an adequete term to use when trying to organize a society?
A-Saying "we are working towards the commonn good" sounds nice and helpful, but it does not give a specific goal to focus on. "the welfare of the people, like the happiness of a man, depends on a great many things that can be provided in an infinite variety of combinations"(64). Yet all the members of that societymay not have the same ideals that provide for their own personal good. In order to find what would provide for said common good, "every one of our needs [must be] given its rank un an order of values..."(64)
Chapter 6
Q- The Rule of Law is, "that government in all its actions is bound by rules fixed and anounced beforehard"(80). Following this rule, what would the converse of this Law be?
A- If the Rule of Law states that governments have to follow rules made beforehand, then the converso would be ex post facto, to validate actions after they have occured.
Chapter 7
Q- There is no questions that our society could relieve much of the trouble and discord in the world. Yet, why is little or no action taken to solve solvable problems?
A Without a doubt, we could solve many problems in today's society. THe question is, "are we willing to pay the price necessary". "to take only one exapmle: we could, of course, reduce the casualties by automobile accidents to zero if we were willing to bear the cost - if in no other way- by abolishing automobiles. And the same is true of thousands of other instances in which we are constantly risking life and health and all the fine values fo the spirit, of ourselves and of our fellow- men, to further what we at the same time contempltuously describe as our material comfort"(107). We have to be able to sacrifice our own comforts to help better society.
Victor Tran Ch.6
Q: What does it mean when stated that "in a society the Rule of Law cannot hold"?
A: "It means only that the use of the government's coercive powers will no longer be limited and determined by pre-established rules"( p. 91)
A: "It means only that the use of the government's coercive powers will no longer be limited and determined by pre-established rules"( p. 91)
Jordan Kellner : Chp7
q- What is a "merely" economic loss?
a- "A merely economic loss is thus one whose effect we can still make fall on our less important needs, while we say the value of something we have lost is much greater then its economic value or that it cannot even be estimated in economic terms." (99)
a- "A merely economic loss is thus one whose effect we can still make fall on our less important needs, while we say the value of something we have lost is much greater then its economic value or that it cannot even be estimated in economic terms." (99)
Jordan Kellner: Chp6
q- What does economic planning of the collectivist involve?
a- "The planning authority cannot confine itself to providing opportunites for unknown people to make whatever use of them they like. " (82)
a- "The planning authority cannot confine itself to providing opportunites for unknown people to make whatever use of them they like. " (82)
Jordan Kellner : Chp5
q- How do the various kinds of collectivism, communism, fascism, ect. differ from liberalism and individualism?
a- "They differ in wanting to organize the whole of society and its rescources for unitary end and in refusing to reconize autonomous in which the of individuals are suprememe." (63)
a- "They differ in wanting to organize the whole of society and its rescources for unitary end and in refusing to reconize autonomous in which the of individuals are suprememe." (63)
Jordan Kellner : Chp 4
q- What is the most frequent arguement employed to demonstrate the inevitabilty of planning?
a- "The one most frequently heard is that technological changes have made competition impossisible in a constantly increasing number of fields and that the only choice left to us is between control by private monopolies and direction by the government." (49)
a- "The one most frequently heard is that technological changes have made competition impossisible in a constantly increasing number of fields and that the only choice left to us is between control by private monopolies and direction by the government." (49)
Victor Tran Ch. 5
Q: What is one one of the complaints given bt socialist critics?
A:"[O]ur present society lacks such "conscious" direction toward a single aim, that its activities are guided by the whims and fancies of irresponsible individuals, has always been one of the main conplains of its socialist critics"(p.63).
A:"[O]ur present society lacks such "conscious" direction toward a single aim, that its activities are guided by the whims and fancies of irresponsible individuals, has always been one of the main conplains of its socialist critics"(p.63).
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Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Dinh Chapter 7
Q: What is a(n) "merely" economic loss?
A: "A 'merely' economic loss is thus one whose effect we can still make fall on our less important needs, while when we say that the value of something we have lost is much freater than its economic value, or that it cannot even be estimated in economic terms, this means that we must bear the loss where it falls" (99, 100).
A: "A 'merely' economic loss is thus one whose effect we can still make fall on our less important needs, while when we say that the value of something we have lost is much freater than its economic value, or that it cannot even be estimated in economic terms, this means that we must bear the loss where it falls" (99, 100).
Dinh Chapter 6
Q: What are the two forms of the argument Hayek refers to in chapter 6?
A: The first way the reader can view the argument is through economics, where Hayek states that "the state should confine itself to establishing rules applying to general types of situation and should allow the individuals freedom in everything which depends on the circumstances of time and place, because only the individuals concerned in each instance can fully known these circumstances and adapt their actions to them" (83, 84). The second form is moral or political. "If the state is precisely to foresee the incidence of its actions, it means that it can leace those affected no choice" (84).
A: The first way the reader can view the argument is through economics, where Hayek states that "the state should confine itself to establishing rules applying to general types of situation and should allow the individuals freedom in everything which depends on the circumstances of time and place, because only the individuals concerned in each instance can fully known these circumstances and adapt their actions to them" (83, 84). The second form is moral or political. "If the state is precisely to foresee the incidence of its actions, it means that it can leace those affected no choice" (84).
Dinh Chapter 5
Q: When will the "precise goal" Hayek speak of come about?
A: According to him, "the question of the precise goal toward which all activity is to be directed will arise as soon as the executive power has to translate the demand for a single plan into a particular plan" (69).
A: According to him, "the question of the precise goal toward which all activity is to be directed will arise as soon as the executive power has to translate the demand for a single plan into a particular plan" (69).
Dinh Chapter 4
Q: What is required if the details of changes that constantly affects the conditions of demand and supply of different commodoties can never be recognized?
A: "what is required is some apparatus of registration which automatically records all the relevant effects of individual actions and whose indications are at the same time the resultant of, and the guide for, all the individual decisions" (55).
A: "what is required is some apparatus of registration which automatically records all the relevant effects of individual actions and whose indications are at the same time the resultant of, and the guide for, all the individual decisions" (55).
Charlie C-7
Q:
What situation did progressive division make and became necessary now?
A:
"...the progressive division of labor has created a situation where almost every one of our activities is part of a social process. This is a development which we cannot reverse, since it is only because of it that we can maintain the vastly increased population at anything like present standards." (Page 110)
What situation did progressive division make and became necessary now?
A:
"...the progressive division of labor has created a situation where almost every one of our activities is part of a social process. This is a development which we cannot reverse, since it is only because of it that we can maintain the vastly increased population at anything like present standards." (Page 110)
Charlie C-6
Q:
How do the formal rules work?
A:
"The formal rules tell people in advance what action the state will take in certain types of situation, defined in general terms, without reference to time and place or particular people. They refer to typical situations into which anyone may get and in which the existence of such rules will be useful for a great variety of individual purposes." (Page 82-83)
How do the formal rules work?
A:
"The formal rules tell people in advance what action the state will take in certain types of situation, defined in general terms, without reference to time and place or particular people. They refer to typical situations into which anyone may get and in which the existence of such rules will be useful for a great variety of individual purposes." (Page 82-83)
Charlie C-5
Q:
Is Democracy a means to a higher political end?
A:
"It cannot be said of democracy, as Lord Acton truly said of liberty, that it 'is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end." (Page 78)
Is Democracy a means to a higher political end?
A:
"It cannot be said of democracy, as Lord Acton truly said of liberty, that it 'is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end." (Page 78)
Charlie C-4
Q:
"It contends not that modern technique destroys competition but that, on the contrary, it will be impossible to make use of many of the new technological possibilities unless protection against competition is granted."
What wrong point of view is this statement possibly based on?
A:
"...it is probably based on a confusion between technical excellence from a narrow engineering point of view and desirability from the point of view of society as a whole." (Page 57)
"It contends not that modern technique destroys competition but that, on the contrary, it will be impossible to make use of many of the new technological possibilities unless protection against competition is granted."
What wrong point of view is this statement possibly based on?
A:
"...it is probably based on a confusion between technical excellence from a narrow engineering point of view and desirability from the point of view of society as a whole." (Page 57)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Ellen Ch 4
Q: Why are so many technical experts ‘planners’
A: “That there is little question that almost every one of the technical ideals of our experts could be realized within a comparatively short time if to achieve them were made the sole aim of humanity" (Hayek 57).
By Ellen
A: “That there is little question that almost every one of the technical ideals of our experts could be realized within a comparatively short time if to achieve them were made the sole aim of humanity" (Hayek 57).
By Ellen
Ellen Ch 5
Q: What forms the essence of the individualist position?
A: "The recognition of the individual as the ultimate judge of his ends, the belief that as far as possible his own views ought to govern his actions" (Hayek 66) .
By Ellen
A: "The recognition of the individual as the ultimate judge of his ends, the belief that as far as possible his own views ought to govern his actions" (Hayek 66) .
By Ellen
Ellen Ch 6
Q: How does the rule of law limit the scope of legislation?
A: “It restricts it to the kind of general rules known as formal law and excludes legislation either directly aimed at particular people or at enabling anybody to use the coercive powers of the state for the purpose of such discrimination. It means, not everything is regulated by law, but, on the contrary, that the coercive power of the state can be used only in case defined in advance by the law and in such a way that it can be foreseen how it will be used” (Hayek 92).
By Ellen
A: “It restricts it to the kind of general rules known as formal law and excludes legislation either directly aimed at particular people or at enabling anybody to use the coercive powers of the state for the purpose of such discrimination. It means, not everything is regulated by law, but, on the contrary, that the coercive power of the state can be used only in case defined in advance by the law and in such a way that it can be foreseen how it will be used” (Hayek 92).
By Ellen
Victor Tran Ch. 4
Q: What has made competition impossible?
A: [T]echnologicalchanges have made competition impossible in an constantly increasing number of feilds and that the only choice left to us is between control of production by private monopolies abd direction by the government"(p.49).
A: [T]echnologicalchanges have made competition impossible in an constantly increasing number of feilds and that the only choice left to us is between control of production by private monopolies abd direction by the government"(p.49).
Michelle Ch 7
Q: Why does a monopoly take away our freedom of choice?
A: “Our freedom of choice in a competitive society rests on the face that, if one person refuses to satisfy our wishes, we can turn to another. But if we face a monopolist we are at his mercy. And an authority directing the whole economic system would be the most powerful monopolist conceivable" (Hayek 102).
By Michelle
A: “Our freedom of choice in a competitive society rests on the face that, if one person refuses to satisfy our wishes, we can turn to another. But if we face a monopolist we are at his mercy. And an authority directing the whole economic system would be the most powerful monopolist conceivable" (Hayek 102).
By Michelle
Michelle Ch 6
Q: How is formal law different from substantive rules?
A: “The difference between the two kinds of rules is the same as that between laying down a Rule of the Road, as in the Highway Code, and ordering people where to go: or, better still, between providing signposts and commanding people which road to take” (Hayek 82) .
By Michelle
A: “The difference between the two kinds of rules is the same as that between laying down a Rule of the Road, as in the Highway Code, and ordering people where to go: or, better still, between providing signposts and commanding people which road to take” (Hayek 82) .
By Michelle
Michelle Ch 5
Q: What problems would arise if a complete ethical code were to exist?
A: It “would raise innumerable questions to which the answer could be provided only by a moral rule, but to which the answer could be provided only by a moral rule, but to which existing morals have no answer and where there exists no agreed view on what ought to be done. People will have either no definite views or conflicting views on such questions, because in the free society in which we have lived there has been no occasion to think about them and still less to form common opinions about them” (Hayek 65) .
By Michelle
A: It “would raise innumerable questions to which the answer could be provided only by a moral rule, but to which the answer could be provided only by a moral rule, but to which existing morals have no answer and where there exists no agreed view on what ought to be done. People will have either no definite views or conflicting views on such questions, because in the free society in which we have lived there has been no occasion to think about them and still less to form common opinions about them” (Hayek 65) .
By Michelle
Ellen Ch 7
Q: Is the phrase; ‘political freedom is meaningless without economic freedom?’ correct?
A: “This is true enough, but in a sense almost opposite from that in which the phrase is used by our planners. The economic freedom which is the prerequisite of any other freedom cannot be the freedom from economic care which the socialists promise us and which can be obtained by relieving the individual at the same time of the necessity and of the power of choice; it must be the freedom of our economic activity which, with the right of choice, inevitably also carries the risk and the responsibility of that right” (Hayek 110 -111).
By Ellen
A: “This is true enough, but in a sense almost opposite from that in which the phrase is used by our planners. The economic freedom which is the prerequisite of any other freedom cannot be the freedom from economic care which the socialists promise us and which can be obtained by relieving the individual at the same time of the necessity and of the power of choice; it must be the freedom of our economic activity which, with the right of choice, inevitably also carries the risk and the responsibility of that right” (Hayek 110 -111).
By Ellen
Michelle Ch 4
Q: Why would the industrial system not grow if it had to rely on conscious central planning?
A: The “method of central direction is incredibly clumsy, primitive and limited in scope. That the division of labor had reached the extent which makes modern civilization possible we owe to the fact that it did not have to be consciously created by that man tumbled on a method by which the division of labor could be extended far beyond the limits within which it could have been planned” (Hayek 56).
By Michelle
A: The “method of central direction is incredibly clumsy, primitive and limited in scope. That the division of labor had reached the extent which makes modern civilization possible we owe to the fact that it did not have to be consciously created by that man tumbled on a method by which the division of labor could be extended far beyond the limits within which it could have been planned” (Hayek 56).
By Michelle
Monday, June 25, 2007
Alyssum: Chp7
Q- Why are economic values less important to us than many things?
A- "Precisely because in economic matters we are free to decide what to us is more and what less important. Or as we might say because in present society ot is we who have to solve the economic prioblems of our lives." (p.100)
A- "Precisely because in economic matters we are free to decide what to us is more and what less important. Or as we might say because in present society ot is we who have to solve the economic prioblems of our lives." (p.100)
Alyssum: Chp6
Q- In order for the Rule of law to be effective what should be applied?
A- "A rule should be applied always without exceptions than what this rule is. Often the content of the rule is indeed of minor importance, provided the same rule is univerasally enforced." (p.88)
A- "A rule should be applied always without exceptions than what this rule is. Often the content of the rule is indeed of minor importance, provided the same rule is univerasally enforced." (p.88)
Alyssum: Chp5
Q- What is the fundamental fact on which the whole philosophy of individualism is based?
A- ""The limits of our powers of imagination make it impossible to include in our scale of values more then a sector of the needs of the whole society and that since strictly speaking, scales of value can exist only in individual minds nothing but partial scales of value exist- scales which are inevitably different and often inconsistent with each other." (p.66)
A- ""The limits of our powers of imagination make it impossible to include in our scale of values more then a sector of the needs of the whole society and that since strictly speaking, scales of value can exist only in individual minds nothing but partial scales of value exist- scales which are inevitably different and often inconsistent with each other." (p.66)
Alyssum : Chp4
Q- What manner can the assertion that modern technological progress makes planning inevitable be interpreted?
A- "It may mean that the complexity of our own modern industrial civilization creates new problems with which we cannot hope to deal effectively except by central planning". (p. 54)
A- "It may mean that the complexity of our own modern industrial civilization creates new problems with which we cannot hope to deal effectively except by central planning". (p. 54)
Melanie- Ch 7
Q: What is "economic motive" (in "ordinary language")?
A: "What in ordinary language is misleadingly called the 'economic motive' means merely the desire for general opportunity, the desire for power to achieve unspecified ends" (98)
A: "What in ordinary language is misleadingly called the 'economic motive' means merely the desire for general opportunity, the desire for power to achieve unspecified ends" (98)
Melanie- Ch 6
Q: What is the Rule of Law?
A: "Nothing distinguishes more clearly conditions in a free country from those in a country under arbitrary government than the observance in the former of the great principles known as the Rule of Law. Stripped of all technicalities, this means that government in all its actions is bound by rules fixed and announced beforehand--rules which make it possible to foresee with fair certainty how the authority will use its coercive powers in given circumstances and to plan one's individual affairs on the basis of this knowledge"(80).
A: "Nothing distinguishes more clearly conditions in a free country from those in a country under arbitrary government than the observance in the former of the great principles known as the Rule of Law. Stripped of all technicalities, this means that government in all its actions is bound by rules fixed and announced beforehand--rules which make it possible to foresee with fair certainty how the authority will use its coercive powers in given circumstances and to plan one's individual affairs on the basis of this knowledge"(80).
Melanie- Ch5
Q: How can the common features of all collectivist systems be described?
A: "The common features of all collectivist systems may be described, in a phrase ever dear to socialists of all schools, as the deliberate organization of the labors of society for a definite social goal"(63).
A: "The common features of all collectivist systems may be described, in a phrase ever dear to socialists of all schools, as the deliberate organization of the labors of society for a definite social goal"(63).
Melanie- Ch 4
Q: What is the alleged technological cause of the growth of monopoly?
A: "The alleged technological cause of the growth of monopoly is the superiority of the large firm over the small, owing to the greater efficiency of modern methods of mass production"(50).
A: "The alleged technological cause of the growth of monopoly is the superiority of the large firm over the small, owing to the greater efficiency of modern methods of mass production"(50).
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Mr. Hughes needs everyone who has posted (NOT MERELY ACCEPTED THE INVITATION) to post their name (first/last) next to their email address. In this way, I can remove those who failed to post by the deadline.
We are keeping everyone who posted so far, as that should be enought to have a whole class. Do this ASAP so I can tell Mr. Suda to change the class role, as he is scheduling now.
Thanks for your prompt attention.
We are keeping everyone who posted so far, as that should be enought to have a whole class. Do this ASAP so I can tell Mr. Suda to change the class role, as he is scheduling now.
Thanks for your prompt attention.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Kelsey Marsh - Ch. 3
Q: "The socialist believe in two things which are absolutely different and perhaps contradictory: freedom and organization." (p.37) How are freedom and organization essentially the same?
A:In order to have freedom you must have organization. Organizing rules and regulations is in fact organizing freedom. The rules and regulations set boundaries within which people need to live to ensure their continued freedom. Just because socialist use organization in a different sense doesnt mean freedom and organization are opposite.
A:In order to have freedom you must have organization. Organizing rules and regulations is in fact organizing freedom. The rules and regulations set boundaries within which people need to live to ensure their continued freedom. Just because socialist use organization in a different sense doesnt mean freedom and organization are opposite.
Jordan Kellner
Q: How Does Hayek say is an argument for individualism?
A: "it is subtle insophitcation; it is the indirect rational argument" (xii)
Q: What does he mean by the Road to Serfdom?
A: It means that we may lead to a world controlled by a head master, also know as Serfdom. It is that we are forced to be ruled and not to have total freedom out of our own free will.
Q:What does the Laissez Farie relate to the book?
A: It is some what of an anarchy related document that defies the norm of the government and wished to change it to a government and/or economy that the rebels of government see fit in their image.
A: "it is subtle insophitcation; it is the indirect rational argument" (xii)
Q: What does he mean by the Road to Serfdom?
A: It means that we may lead to a world controlled by a head master, also know as Serfdom. It is that we are forced to be ruled and not to have total freedom out of our own free will.
Q:What does the Laissez Farie relate to the book?
A: It is some what of an anarchy related document that defies the norm of the government and wished to change it to a government and/or economy that the rebels of government see fit in their image.
Austendo Chapter Three
Q: What is the real problem that educated people see in socialism.
A: While the average American hears socialism and thinks, "Fire, bad," those who study the concept of socialism know that the ideas that the system strives for are very similar to America's ideals. "It may mean, and is often used to describe, merely the ideals of social justice, greater equality, and security, which are the ultimate aims of socialism." (p. 37) The problem, then, is the means by which this state of equality and security is attained. "[...] socialism means the abolition of private enterprise, of private ownership of the means of production, and the creation of a system of 'planned economy' in which the entrepreneur working for profit is replaced by a central planning body." (p. 37) To have the security and equality that socialism promises, we must relinquish our individual freedoms and powers.
A: While the average American hears socialism and thinks, "Fire, bad," those who study the concept of socialism know that the ideas that the system strives for are very similar to America's ideals. "It may mean, and is often used to describe, merely the ideals of social justice, greater equality, and security, which are the ultimate aims of socialism." (p. 37) The problem, then, is the means by which this state of equality and security is attained. "[...] socialism means the abolition of private enterprise, of private ownership of the means of production, and the creation of a system of 'planned economy' in which the entrepreneur working for profit is replaced by a central planning body." (p. 37) To have the security and equality that socialism promises, we must relinquish our individual freedoms and powers.
Kelsey Marsh-ch.2
Q: " The new freedom promised however was to be freedom from necessity, release from compulsion of the circumstances which inevitably limit the range of choice of all of us, although for some very much more than others. Befor man could be truely free, the despotism of physical want had to be broken , the restraints of the economic system relaxed. Freedom in this sense is, of course, merely another name for power or wealth." (p.30) How is freedom confused with Power?
A: In every branch of government freedom is a tool for power. In democracy everybody is completely free and they use their freedom to gain power. Especially in democracy they use their economic freedom to gain power in wealth. Those who grow up in a democratic society basically are so free that they have everything they could want except for its human nature to always keep wanting something so these democrats want to be most successful. Those who have the most freedom in a democratic society have the highest label and the most money. Take a look at cops they get away with breaking the law because they are the ones who enforce it so when they break it there is nobody to bust their chops because they are suppose to be busting them (an instance where power is used for freedom). And look at Paris Hilton, she commits a crime similar to that of the average man, yet unlike the average man she was given extra privaleges to pay her time, money talks (an instance where wealth is used for power which gives freedom).
In socialism, it is those who run the government that have all the power but to those who dont know any better and are a part of the community but do not have a powerful government position they think the socialist leaders have all the freedom in the world. However it is not that they truely have freedom yet they have the power to give themselves freedom.
A: In every branch of government freedom is a tool for power. In democracy everybody is completely free and they use their freedom to gain power. Especially in democracy they use their economic freedom to gain power in wealth. Those who grow up in a democratic society basically are so free that they have everything they could want except for its human nature to always keep wanting something so these democrats want to be most successful. Those who have the most freedom in a democratic society have the highest label and the most money. Take a look at cops they get away with breaking the law because they are the ones who enforce it so when they break it there is nobody to bust their chops because they are suppose to be busting them (an instance where power is used for freedom). And look at Paris Hilton, she commits a crime similar to that of the average man, yet unlike the average man she was given extra privaleges to pay her time, money talks (an instance where wealth is used for power which gives freedom).
In socialism, it is those who run the government that have all the power but to those who dont know any better and are a part of the community but do not have a powerful government position they think the socialist leaders have all the freedom in the world. However it is not that they truely have freedom yet they have the power to give themselves freedom.
Austendo Chapter Two
Q: What does Do Tocqueville say about the irreconcilable conflict between democracy and socialism?
A: De Tocqueville describes the main difference in the two systems as 'people skills', essentially. One gives people freedom of expression, and the other keeps then rigidly in place. "Democracy extends the sphere of individual freedom, socialism restricts it." (p. 29)
A: De Tocqueville describes the main difference in the two systems as 'people skills', essentially. One gives people freedom of expression, and the other keeps then rigidly in place. "Democracy extends the sphere of individual freedom, socialism restricts it." (p. 29)
Kelsey Marsh-Ch. 1
Q: "The nature of our civilization has been seen more clearly by its enemies than by most of its friends.." (p.19) ... Can you explain to me how our enemies see us more clearly then our friends because wouldn't our enemies have a tarnished view of us?
A: I could see how our enemies could see more things about us then our friends because our friends are so much alike us that they dont have any arguments. But how could they see us more clearly because as our enemies they have this ideal in their head that we are bad or the way we do things is wrong. The thing about enemies is that most of them have always been and will always be. Because any and every form of politics has one control of freedom that is that everybody usually bases their thoughts and ideals on the past and what people say about the past.
A: I could see how our enemies could see more things about us then our friends because our friends are so much alike us that they dont have any arguments. But how could they see us more clearly because as our enemies they have this ideal in their head that we are bad or the way we do things is wrong. The thing about enemies is that most of them have always been and will always be. Because any and every form of politics has one control of freedom that is that everybody usually bases their thoughts and ideals on the past and what people say about the past.
Caroline P. Ch-1
Q: What role reversal occurred between Germany and England? What caused this and what credited it?
A: At one time, English philosophy had spread outward until it seemed that it could no longer spread and then this flow reversed. Eventually England became "an importer of ideas" (25). Germany then became the hub of ideologies, with people like Hegel, Marx, List, Schmoller, Sombart, and Mannheim spreading socialism, "organization", and "planning" (25). Germans also became very influential because they had accrued a respected standing from previous philosophers and scientists (26). To Germany, everything west of the Rhine became "Western" civilization, and since they were exporting instead of importing ideas, they began to look down upon "Western" views, and thusly exported this to "Western" civilization, causing its own citizens to in turn do the same.
A: At one time, English philosophy had spread outward until it seemed that it could no longer spread and then this flow reversed. Eventually England became "an importer of ideas" (25). Germany then became the hub of ideologies, with people like Hegel, Marx, List, Schmoller, Sombart, and Mannheim spreading socialism, "organization", and "planning" (25). Germans also became very influential because they had accrued a respected standing from previous philosophers and scientists (26). To Germany, everything west of the Rhine became "Western" civilization, and since they were exporting instead of importing ideas, they began to look down upon "Western" views, and thusly exported this to "Western" civilization, causing its own citizens to in turn do the same.
Caroline P. Ch-3
Q: The main difference between competition and planning lies in what? Should we try to find a balance between the two?
A: Hayek argues that while the two both agree on that there must be some sort of a plan, or “framework”, for any economic system to prevail, the control of the framework is disputed between them. Competition gives the responsibility of planning to the individuals where as planning wants for a “central direction and organization” dictated by a “blueprint” (40-41). However, when competition is destroyed in an industry and each industry makes its own “blueprint”, there will then be formed a “corporative organization of industry” in which the individual becomes subject to the will of whomever runs the business to which they belong.
A: Hayek argues that while the two both agree on that there must be some sort of a plan, or “framework”, for any economic system to prevail, the control of the framework is disputed between them. Competition gives the responsibility of planning to the individuals where as planning wants for a “central direction and organization” dictated by a “blueprint” (40-41). However, when competition is destroyed in an industry and each industry makes its own “blueprint”, there will then be formed a “corporative organization of industry” in which the individual becomes subject to the will of whomever runs the business to which they belong.
Caroline P. Ch-2
Q: What is paradoxical about the term "democratic socialism"?
A: Socialism began as a backlash against the French Revolution and was “recognized as the gravest threat to freedom” (28) and democracy, as defined by De Tocqueville, “extends the sphere of individual freedom” (29), where as “socialism restricts it” (29). Thusly, “democracy as an essentially individualist institution stood in an irreconcilable conflict with socialism” (29). The main point on which these two political forms disagree then, is on the subject of freedom. Democracy viewed freedom as “freedom from coercion, freedom from the arbitrary power of other men, release from the ties which left the individual no choice but obedience to the orders of a superior to whom he was attached” (30). The socialists promised a “new freedom” which was actually “the old demand for an equal distribution of wealth” (30).
A: Socialism began as a backlash against the French Revolution and was “recognized as the gravest threat to freedom” (28) and democracy, as defined by De Tocqueville, “extends the sphere of individual freedom” (29), where as “socialism restricts it” (29). Thusly, “democracy as an essentially individualist institution stood in an irreconcilable conflict with socialism” (29). The main point on which these two political forms disagree then, is on the subject of freedom. Democracy viewed freedom as “freedom from coercion, freedom from the arbitrary power of other men, release from the ties which left the individual no choice but obedience to the orders of a superior to whom he was attached” (30). The socialists promised a “new freedom” which was actually “the old demand for an equal distribution of wealth” (30).
Caroline P. Intoduction
I'm using Dinh's account for the night, sorry if it's confusing.
Q: What is the relevance of Lord Acton’s quote, “Few discoveries are more irritating than those which expose the pedigree of ides,” to the main idea of the Hayek Introduction?
A: Hayek establishes a thesis that states that there are distinct similarities between WWII German thinking and the current post WWII ideas closely represent those of Germany (5). Correct me if I’m wrong, but what it sounds like to me is that Hayek is saying that America’s anti-Germany attitude has lead to new socialistic tendencies which mimic the beginning of the move toward fascism, and then Nazism, in German (6). Americans then either refuse to recognize or are ignorant to this progression because of their displaced anger towards the German people and culture instead of the separate entity of Nazism (9-10). Thusly, Hayek is calling to Americans to recognize their fault in doing so, because it is causing them to become the thing that they hate. Lord Acton’s quote is used to describe the desire of the American people to ignore the direction in which they are traveling because they are speeding towards the fate of Germany. “If in the long run we are the makers of our own fate, in the short run we are the captives of the ideas we have created” (4).
Q: What is the relevance of Lord Acton’s quote, “Few discoveries are more irritating than those which expose the pedigree of ides,” to the main idea of the Hayek Introduction?
A: Hayek establishes a thesis that states that there are distinct similarities between WWII German thinking and the current post WWII ideas closely represent those of Germany (5). Correct me if I’m wrong, but what it sounds like to me is that Hayek is saying that America’s anti-Germany attitude has lead to new socialistic tendencies which mimic the beginning of the move toward fascism, and then Nazism, in German (6). Americans then either refuse to recognize or are ignorant to this progression because of their displaced anger towards the German people and culture instead of the separate entity of Nazism (9-10). Thusly, Hayek is calling to Americans to recognize their fault in doing so, because it is causing them to become the thing that they hate. Lord Acton’s quote is used to describe the desire of the American people to ignore the direction in which they are traveling because they are speeding towards the fate of Germany. “If in the long run we are the makers of our own fate, in the short run we are the captives of the ideas we have created” (4).
Labels
I've found that accessing questions to each chapter is hard (read: not as easy as it could easily be). The problem is that we are using many different labels for the same topic. I've seen 'Hayek c-1', 'Hayek Ch-1', and even 'Hayke.' I know it doesn't seem as big of a deal as I make it, but the whole point of the labels is to be able to click on one and have all of the other posts for that chapter appear, not one or two. This can be easily fixed if we go to our posts and edit the label. The thing to be decided is what we're all to agree on. I'm suggesting "Hayek c-#". no space by the dash ('cause that makes a difference) Reason I chose that is because that seems to be the majority of what people have labeled already.
I guess just leave a comment to say yea or nay..
Thanks
I guess just leave a comment to say yea or nay..
Thanks
Austendo Chapter One
Thus far, Hayek has stated and restated the idea that America and the people traveling down the road to serfdom have something in common: they do not see, or rather choose not to see the truth.
Q: How does Hayek sarcastically depict this idea that 'we' are not responsible for the problems that are rising?
A: "However much we may differ when we name the culprit - whether it is the wicked capitalist or the vicious spirit of a particular nation, the stupidity of our elders, or a social system not yet, although we have been struggling against it for a half a century, fully overthrown - we all are, or at least were until recently, certain of one thing: that the leading ideas which during the last generation have become common to most people of good will and have determined to major changes in our social life canot have been wrong. We are ready to accept almost any explanation of the present crisis of our civilization except one: that the present state of the world may be the result of genuine error on our part and that the pursuit of some of our most cherished ideals has apparently produced results utterly different from those which we expected." (pp. 13-14)
Q: How does Hayek sarcastically depict this idea that 'we' are not responsible for the problems that are rising?
A: "However much we may differ when we name the culprit - whether it is the wicked capitalist or the vicious spirit of a particular nation, the stupidity of our elders, or a social system not yet, although we have been struggling against it for a half a century, fully overthrown - we all are, or at least were until recently, certain of one thing: that the leading ideas which during the last generation have become common to most people of good will and have determined to major changes in our social life canot have been wrong. We are ready to accept almost any explanation of the present crisis of our civilization except one: that the present state of the world may be the result of genuine error on our part and that the pursuit of some of our most cherished ideals has apparently produced results utterly different from those which we expected." (pp. 13-14)
Adrian C-3
Q: What is the common misconception of the idea of socialism?
A:" Before we can progress with our main porvlem, an obstacle has yet to be surmounted. A confusion largely responsible for the way in which we are drifting into things which nobody wants must be cleared up. This confusion concerns nothing less than the concept of socialism itself. It may mean, and is often used to describe, merely the ideals of social justice, greater equality, and security, which are the ultimate aims of socialism. But it means also the particular method by which most socialists hope to attain these ends and which many competent people regard as the only methods by which they can be fully and quickly attained. In this sense socialism means the abolition of private enterprise, of private ownership of the means of production, and the creation of a system of 'planned economy' in which the entrepreneur working for profit is replaced by a central planning body."(Hayek, 37).
A:" Before we can progress with our main porvlem, an obstacle has yet to be surmounted. A confusion largely responsible for the way in which we are drifting into things which nobody wants must be cleared up. This confusion concerns nothing less than the concept of socialism itself. It may mean, and is often used to describe, merely the ideals of social justice, greater equality, and security, which are the ultimate aims of socialism. But it means also the particular method by which most socialists hope to attain these ends and which many competent people regard as the only methods by which they can be fully and quickly attained. In this sense socialism means the abolition of private enterprise, of private ownership of the means of production, and the creation of a system of 'planned economy' in which the entrepreneur working for profit is replaced by a central planning body."(Hayek, 37).
Adrian C-2
Q: Why do people see socialism and individualism as negatives, when they seek to improve the individual freedoms of people?
A:" There can be no doubt that the promise of greater freedom has become one of the most effective weapons of socialist propaganda and that the belief that socialism would only heighten the tragedy if it should prove that what was promised to us as the Road to Freedom was in fact the High Road to Servitude. Unquestionably, the promise of more freedom was responsible for luring more and more liberals along the socialist road, for blinding them to the conflict which exists between the basic principles of socialism and liberalism, and for often enabling socialists to usurp the very name of the old party of freedom. Socialism was embraced by the greater part of the intelligentsia as the apparent heir of the liberal tradition: therefore it is not surprising that to them the idea of socialism's leading to the opposite of liberty should appear inconceivable."(Hayek, 31).
A:" There can be no doubt that the promise of greater freedom has become one of the most effective weapons of socialist propaganda and that the belief that socialism would only heighten the tragedy if it should prove that what was promised to us as the Road to Freedom was in fact the High Road to Servitude. Unquestionably, the promise of more freedom was responsible for luring more and more liberals along the socialist road, for blinding them to the conflict which exists between the basic principles of socialism and liberalism, and for often enabling socialists to usurp the very name of the old party of freedom. Socialism was embraced by the greater part of the intelligentsia as the apparent heir of the liberal tradition: therefore it is not surprising that to them the idea of socialism's leading to the opposite of liberty should appear inconceivable."(Hayek, 31).
Adrian C-1
Q: Through out the ages and years, why has social distortion become inevitable, altering the ideal definitions of words of former civilizations?
A:"Individualism has a bad name today, and the term has come to be connected with egotism and selfishness. But the individualism of which we speak in contrast to socialism and all other forms of collectivism has no necessary connection with these. Only gradually in the course of this book shall we be able to make clear the contrast between the two opposing principles. But the essential features of that individualism which, from elements provided by Christianity and the philosophy of classical antiquity, was first fully developed during the Renaissance and has since grown and spread into what we know as Western civilization--are the respect for the individual man qua man, that is, the recognition of his own views and tastes as supreme in his own sphere, however narrowly that may be circumscribed, and the belief that it is desirable that men should develop their own individual gifts and bents. 'Freedom' and 'liberty' are now words so worn with use and abuse that one must hesitate to employ them to express the ideals for which they stood during that period. 'Tolerance' is, perhaps, the only word which still preserves the full meaning of the principle which only in recent times has again been in decline, to disappear completely with the rise of the totalitarian state. The gradual transformation of a rigidly organized hierarchic system into one where men could at least attempt to shape their own life, where man gained the opportunity of knowing and choosing between different forms of life, is closely associated with the growth of commerce."(hayek,17-18).
A:"Individualism has a bad name today, and the term has come to be connected with egotism and selfishness. But the individualism of which we speak in contrast to socialism and all other forms of collectivism has no necessary connection with these. Only gradually in the course of this book shall we be able to make clear the contrast between the two opposing principles. But the essential features of that individualism which, from elements provided by Christianity and the philosophy of classical antiquity, was first fully developed during the Renaissance and has since grown and spread into what we know as Western civilization--are the respect for the individual man qua man, that is, the recognition of his own views and tastes as supreme in his own sphere, however narrowly that may be circumscribed, and the belief that it is desirable that men should develop their own individual gifts and bents. 'Freedom' and 'liberty' are now words so worn with use and abuse that one must hesitate to employ them to express the ideals for which they stood during that period. 'Tolerance' is, perhaps, the only word which still preserves the full meaning of the principle which only in recent times has again been in decline, to disappear completely with the rise of the totalitarian state. The gradual transformation of a rigidly organized hierarchic system into one where men could at least attempt to shape their own life, where man gained the opportunity of knowing and choosing between different forms of life, is closely associated with the growth of commerce."(hayek,17-18).
So, how many of you noticed that the date is supposed to be 12June, not 10 June? How many of you question your teacher's "sanity"?
Obviously, you should wait before having a family. However, soon I will post pictures of mine, so that you will understand why I am "sane", more or less.
Ya'll have until midnight...
Obviously, you should wait before having a family. However, soon I will post pictures of mine, so that you will understand why I am "sane", more or less.
Ya'll have until midnight...
Victor Tran Ch.3
Q: What are the main arguments promoting competition between individualists and collectivists?
A: "[O]ne of the main arguments in favor of competition is that it dispenses with the need for "conscious social control" and that it gives the individuals a chance to decide wether the prospects of a particular occupationare sufficient to compensate for the disadvantages and risks connected with it"(hayke p.39-40).
A: "[O]ne of the main arguments in favor of competition is that it dispenses with the need for "conscious social control" and that it gives the individuals a chance to decide wether the prospects of a particular occupationare sufficient to compensate for the disadvantages and risks connected with it"(hayke p.39-40).
Victor Tran Ch.2
Q: In Italy and Germany, why do the communist and Nazi or Fascist parties "clash" with each other more often than with others?
A:"They competed for the support of the same type of mindand reserved for each other the hatred of the heritic. But their practice shows how closely the are related. To both, the real enemy, the man they had nothing in common and whom they had nothing in common and whom they could not hope to convince, is the liberal of the old type" (Hayke pPublish Post.34)"
A:"They competed for the support of the same type of mindand reserved for each other the hatred of the heritic. But their practice shows how closely the are related. To both, the real enemy, the man they had nothing in common and whom they had nothing in common and whom they could not hope to convince, is the liberal of the old type" (Hayke pPublish Post.34)"
Ellen Ch 3
Q: Who would want "planning" to be used?
A: "'Planning,' therefore, is wanted by all those who demand that 'production for use' be substituted for production for profit" ( Hayek 38).
By Ellen
A: "'Planning,' therefore, is wanted by all those who demand that 'production for use' be substituted for production for profit" ( Hayek 38).
By Ellen
Ellen Ch 2
Q: When did socialism begin to ally itself with the forces of freedom?
A: "Only under the influence of the strong democratic currents preceding the revolution of 1848 did socialism begin to ally itself with the forces of freedom" (Hayek 28-29).
By Ellen
A: "Only under the influence of the strong democratic currents preceding the revolution of 1848 did socialism begin to ally itself with the forces of freedom" (Hayek 28-29).
By Ellen
Ellen Ch 1
Ummm... The due date stated on the packet says, "June 12" so I'm hoping you will still accept these, considering today is the twelth.
Q: What has done the most harm to the liberal cause?
A: "Probably nothing has done so much harm to the liberal cause as the wooden insistence of some liberals on certain rough rules of thumb, above all the principle of laissez faire" (Hayek 21).
By Ellen
Q: What has done the most harm to the liberal cause?
A: "Probably nothing has done so much harm to the liberal cause as the wooden insistence of some liberals on certain rough rules of thumb, above all the principle of laissez faire" (Hayek 21).
By Ellen
Important: My meeting with Larry Oliver to discuss the class enrollment, which was to occur Monday, got moved to Wednesday, due to interviewing for the new Academic Dean. Obviously (?!), the first deadline was SUNDAY. This class endeavors to diminish procrastination, since Genius texts require multiple readings. Procrastinators generally do their first reading at the deadline, relying on the "smarts" that got them through PE and 7th Grade Texas History to also get them through Nietzsche & Milton. Yeah...sure.
As an aside to 17-year-olds, why would you sign up for something you do not want to do? Grown-ups who act thusly are not looked up to, nor looked at favorably. I mean, how do you respond to your father or mother complaining about his/her job for the last five years? As if they were really, really smart?
Personally, I have been struggling with balancing babies and coaching (which I retired from) and teaching. The babies must be taken care of. The teaching will improve, which will require some commitment from you. As this is an English class, please note the phrase "some commitment". Notice anything?
I will post the contents of the meeting after it occurs.
Love,
Mr. Hughes
As an aside to 17-year-olds, why would you sign up for something you do not want to do? Grown-ups who act thusly are not looked up to, nor looked at favorably. I mean, how do you respond to your father or mother complaining about his/her job for the last five years? As if they were really, really smart?
Personally, I have been struggling with balancing babies and coaching (which I retired from) and teaching. The babies must be taken care of. The teaching will improve, which will require some commitment from you. As this is an English class, please note the phrase "some commitment". Notice anything?
I will post the contents of the meeting after it occurs.
Love,
Mr. Hughes
Monday, June 11, 2007
Dinh Chapter Three
Q: What fact is Hayek refering Planning's popularity to?
A:" that everybody desires, of course, that we should handle our common problems as rationally as possible and that, in so doing, we should use as much foresight as we can command" (39-40).
A:" that everybody desires, of course, that we should handle our common problems as rationally as possible and that, in so doing, we should use as much foresight as we can command" (39-40).
Dinh Chapter Two
Q: What kind of freedom does Hayek refer to when he says " 'depotism of physical want' had to be broken, the 'restraints of the economic system' relaxed" (30)?
A: "Freedom in this sense is, of course, merely another name for power or wealth" (30).
A: "Freedom in this sense is, of course, merely another name for power or wealth" (30).
Victor Tran Ch.1
Victor Tran Ch.1
Q: What is the "consistent argument in favor of economic freedom" a result of?
A:"The subsaquent elaboration of a consistent argument in favor of ceconomic freedom was the outcome of a free growth of economic activity which had been undesigned and unfirseen by-product of political freedom"(p.19).
Q: What is the "consistent argument in favor of economic freedom" a result of?
A:"The subsaquent elaboration of a consistent argument in favor of ceconomic freedom was the outcome of a free growth of economic activity which had been undesigned and unfirseen by-product of political freedom"(p.19).
Jesse ch. 3
Q: Why is "planning" so popular?
A: ""Planning" owes its popularity largely to the fact that everybody desires, of course, that we should handle our common problems as rationally as possible and that, in so doing, we should use as much foresight as we can command."(Hayek 39- 40)
A: ""Planning" owes its popularity largely to the fact that everybody desires, of course, that we should handle our common problems as rationally as possible and that, in so doing, we should use as much foresight as we can command."(Hayek 39- 40)
Michelle Ch 3
Q: Why does economic liberalism regard competition as superior?
A: "And it [economic liberalism] regards competition as superior not only because it is in most circumstances the most efficient method known but even more because it is the only method by which our activities can be adjusted to each other without coercive or arbitrary intervention of authority. Indeed, one of the main arguments in favor of competition is that it dispenses with the need for 'Conscious social control' and that it gives the individuals a chance to decide whether the prospects of a particular occupation are sufficient to compensate for the disadvantages and risks connected with it" (Hayek 41-42).
By Michelle
A: "And it [economic liberalism] regards competition as superior not only because it is in most circumstances the most efficient method known but even more because it is the only method by which our activities can be adjusted to each other without coercive or arbitrary intervention of authority. Indeed, one of the main arguments in favor of competition is that it dispenses with the need for 'Conscious social control' and that it gives the individuals a chance to decide whether the prospects of a particular occupation are sufficient to compensate for the disadvantages and risks connected with it" (Hayek 41-42).
By Michelle
Dinh Freidman Introduction
Q: How does Freidman view collectivism?
A:" requires analysis and thought, subordinating the emotions to the rational faculty. Surely that is one answer to the perennial mystery of why collectivism, with its demonstrated record of producing tyranny and misery, is so widely regarded as superior to individualism, with its demonstrated record of producing freedom and plenty. The argument for collectivism is simple if false; it is an immediate emotional argument" (XII)
A:" requires analysis and thought, subordinating the emotions to the rational faculty. Surely that is one answer to the perennial mystery of why collectivism, with its demonstrated record of producing tyranny and misery, is so widely regarded as superior to individualism, with its demonstrated record of producing freedom and plenty. The argument for collectivism is simple if false; it is an immediate emotional argument" (XII)
Dinh Hayek Introduction
Q: What is one reason people during this time should endeavor to understand the forces which created National Socialism?
A: "that this will enable us to understand our enemy and the issye at stake between us. It cannot be denied that there is yet little recognition of the positive ideals for which we are fighting" (7-8).
A: "that this will enable us to understand our enemy and the issye at stake between us. It cannot be denied that there is yet little recognition of the positive ideals for which we are fighting" (7-8).
Dinh Chapter One
Q: What was the greatest result of the unchaining of individual energies?
A: It was " the marvelous growth of science which followed the march of individual liberty from Italy to England and beyond. That the inventive faculty of man had been no less in earlier periods is shown by the many highly ingenious automatic toys and other mechanical contrivances constructed while industrial technique still remained stationary and by the development in some industries which, like mining or watch-making, were not subject to restrictive controls" (19).
A: It was " the marvelous growth of science which followed the march of individual liberty from Italy to England and beyond. That the inventive faculty of man had been no less in earlier periods is shown by the many highly ingenious automatic toys and other mechanical contrivances constructed while industrial technique still remained stationary and by the development in some industries which, like mining or watch-making, were not subject to restrictive controls" (19).
Jesse Ch. 2
Q: How are Nazi's, fascists, and socialists all the same?
A: the Nazi's and Fascits "competed for the support of the same type of mind and reserved for each other the hatred of the heretic. But their practice showed how closely they are related. To both, the real enemy, the man with whom they had nothing in common and whom they could not hope to convince, is the liberal of the old type. While to the Nazi the communist, and to the communist the nazi and to both the socialist, are potential recruits who are made of the right timber, although they have listend to false prophets, they both know that there can be no compromise between them and those who really believe in individual freedom"(Hayek 34) this implies that while they claim that they are different, all three of these groups dont really promote individual freedom, and that they view each other as 'the right timber', which could mean that they all basically think along the same lines.
-jesselman
A: the Nazi's and Fascits "competed for the support of the same type of mind and reserved for each other the hatred of the heretic. But their practice showed how closely they are related. To both, the real enemy, the man with whom they had nothing in common and whom they could not hope to convince, is the liberal of the old type. While to the Nazi the communist, and to the communist the nazi and to both the socialist, are potential recruits who are made of the right timber, although they have listend to false prophets, they both know that there can be no compromise between them and those who really believe in individual freedom"(Hayek 34) this implies that while they claim that they are different, all three of these groups dont really promote individual freedom, and that they view each other as 'the right timber', which could mean that they all basically think along the same lines.
-jesselman
Melanie Ch 3
Q: What has the dispute about socialism become?
A: "The dispute about socialism has thus become largely a dispute about means and not about ends-although the question whether the different ends of socialism can be simultaneously achieved is also involved" (pg 38)
A: "The dispute about socialism has thus become largely a dispute about means and not about ends-although the question whether the different ends of socialism can be simultaneously achieved is also involved" (pg 38)
Melanie- Ch 2
Q: How does Hayek describe democratic socialism?
A: "That democratic socialism, the great utopia of the last few generations, is not only unachievable, but that to strive for it produces something so utterly different that few of those who now wish it would be prepared to accept the consequences, many will not believe until the connection has been laid bare in all its aspects" (pg 36)
A: "That democratic socialism, the great utopia of the last few generations, is not only unachievable, but that to strive for it produces something so utterly different that few of those who now wish it would be prepared to accept the consequences, many will not believe until the connection has been laid bare in all its aspects" (pg 36)
Melanie- Ch 1
Q: What are the consequences of winning the war?
A: "Though the first task must now be to win the war, to win it will only gain us another opportunity to face the basic problems and to find a way of averting the fate which has overtaken kindred civilizations" (pg 14)
A: "Though the first task must now be to win the war, to win it will only gain us another opportunity to face the basic problems and to find a way of averting the fate which has overtaken kindred civilizations" (pg 14)
Melanie- Hayek Intro
Q: What do we need to do to in order to succeed in our dealings with
A: "We shall never be successful in our dealings with the Germans until we understand the character and the growth of the ideas which now govern them" (pg 9)
Alyssum : chp3
Socialist- One who supports socialism (system of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that controls the economy.
Q- What does Hayek say is the confusion amongst those who bvelieve in socialism?
A- "And the confusion has been futher increased by the common practice of denying that those who repudiate the means value the ends. But this is not at all. The situation is more complicated bu the fact that the same means, "economic planing" which is the prime instrument of socialist reform can be used for many other purposes." (p.38)
Q- What does Hayek say is the confusion amongst those who bvelieve in socialism?
A- "And the confusion has been futher increased by the common practice of denying that those who repudiate the means value the ends. But this is not at all. The situation is more complicated bu the fact that the same means, "economic planing" which is the prime instrument of socialist reform can be used for many other purposes." (p.38)
Alyssum : chp2
Socialism - Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy.
Authoritarian - Characterized by or favoring absolute authority as against individual freedom.
Democracy- Government by the people exercised directly or through elective representives.
Q- What does Hayek say is the subtle change in meaning to which the word "freedom" was subjected?
A- "To the great apostles of political freedom the word freedom from the arbitrary power of other men release from ties which left the individual no choice but obedience to the orders of a superior to whom he was attached." p(31)
Authoritarian - Characterized by or favoring absolute authority as against individual freedom.
Democracy- Government by the people exercised directly or through elective representives.
Q- What does Hayek say is the subtle change in meaning to which the word "freedom" was subjected?
A- "To the great apostles of political freedom the word freedom from the arbitrary power of other men release from ties which left the individual no choice but obedience to the orders of a superior to whom he was attached." p(31)
Jesse Ch. 1
Q: How does Hayek compare totalitarianism and socialism?
A: Hayek says that "it is somewhat difficult to think of Germany, Italy or of Russia, not as different worlds, but as products of a development of thought in which we have shared; it is, at least so far as our enemies are concerned, easier and more comforting to think that they are entirely different from us and that what happened there cannot happen here. yet the history of these countries in the years before the rise of the totalitarian system showed few features with which we are not familiar. The external conflict is a result of a transformation of European thought in which others have moved so much faster as to bring them into irreconcilable conflict with our ideals, but which has not left us unaffected" (hayek 14). Hayek implies that america is basically the same as the countries which became totalitarian, we are jsut moving a lot slower than everyone else, yet america refuses to believe it, later he states that "we have progressivlely abandoned that freedom in economic affairs without which personal and political freedom has never existed in the past" calling this a "new form of slavery" (hayek 16). If no economic freedom(socialism) means that there is not personal or political freedom(totalitarianism) then, socialism is essentially the same as totalitarianism, or at least a major step towards it.
-jesselman
A: Hayek says that "it is somewhat difficult to think of Germany, Italy or of Russia, not as different worlds, but as products of a development of thought in which we have shared; it is, at least so far as our enemies are concerned, easier and more comforting to think that they are entirely different from us and that what happened there cannot happen here. yet the history of these countries in the years before the rise of the totalitarian system showed few features with which we are not familiar. The external conflict is a result of a transformation of European thought in which others have moved so much faster as to bring them into irreconcilable conflict with our ideals, but which has not left us unaffected" (hayek 14). Hayek implies that america is basically the same as the countries which became totalitarian, we are jsut moving a lot slower than everyone else, yet america refuses to believe it, later he states that "we have progressivlely abandoned that freedom in economic affairs without which personal and political freedom has never existed in the past" calling this a "new form of slavery" (hayek 16). If no economic freedom(socialism) means that there is not personal or political freedom(totalitarianism) then, socialism is essentially the same as totalitarianism, or at least a major step towards it.
-jesselman
Melanie- Friedman Intro
Q: How does Friedman describe this book?
A: "[...]subtle and closely reasoned yet lucid and clear, philosophical and abstract yet also concrete and realisitc, analytical and rational yet animated by high ideals and a vivid sense of mission". (pg x)
A: "[...]subtle and closely reasoned yet lucid and clear, philosophical and abstract yet also concrete and realisitc, analytical and rational yet animated by high ideals and a vivid sense of mission". (pg x)
Alyssum : chp1
Barbarism - An act trait or custom characterized by ignornance or crudity.
Laissez Faire - An economic doctrine that opposes governmental regulation of or interference in condmerce beyond the minium.
Totalitarian - Imposing a form of government in which the political authority exercises absolute and centralized control over all aspects of life.
Q- What does Hayek say is the external conflict in countries of Germany, Italy and Russia in the years before the rise of totalitarianism?
A-" The external conflict is a result of a transformation of European thought in which others have moved so much faster as to bring them into irreconsible conflict with our ideals, but which has not left us unaffected." (p. 14)
Laissez Faire - An economic doctrine that opposes governmental regulation of or interference in condmerce beyond the minium.
Totalitarian - Imposing a form of government in which the political authority exercises absolute and centralized control over all aspects of life.
Q- What does Hayek say is the external conflict in countries of Germany, Italy and Russia in the years before the rise of totalitarianism?
A-" The external conflict is a result of a transformation of European thought in which others have moved so much faster as to bring them into irreconsible conflict with our ideals, but which has not left us unaffected." (p. 14)
Alyssum : intro
Serfdom - "serf" (medival Europe) : A worker in modified slavery bought and sold on land which they worked.
Individualism - Social theory advocating liberty rights or independent action or thought.
Collectivist - A Person who belongs to left political wing.
Jargon - The language the, vocabulary peculiar to the particular trade or profession or group.
Rapacious - Given to seizing for plunder or satisfaction of greed.
Q-What group of people found revelation in Hayeks work?
A- "Professor Hayeks remarkable and viqorous tract was a revelation particularly to the young men and women who'd been in the armed forces during war. Their recent experiences enhanced their apreciation of the value and meaning of individual freedom."(ix)
Individualism - Social theory advocating liberty rights or independent action or thought.
Collectivist - A Person who belongs to left political wing.
Jargon - The language the, vocabulary peculiar to the particular trade or profession or group.
Rapacious - Given to seizing for plunder or satisfaction of greed.
Q-What group of people found revelation in Hayeks work?
A- "Professor Hayeks remarkable and viqorous tract was a revelation particularly to the young men and women who'd been in the armed forces during war. Their recent experiences enhanced their apreciation of the value and meaning of individual freedom."(ix)
Michelle Ch 2
Q: What was the idea of socialism to its French creators?
A: "The French writers who laid the foundation of modern socialism had no doubt that their ideas could be put into practice by strong dictatorial government. To them socialism meant an attempt to 'terminate the revolutiom' by a deliberate reorganization of society on hierarchical lines and by the imposition of a coercive 'spiritual power'. Where freedom was concerned, the founders of socialism made no bones about their intentions. Freedom of thought they regarded as the root-evil of nineteenth-century society, and the first of modern planners, Saint-Simon, even predicted that those who did not obey his proposed planning borads would be 'treated as cattle'" (Hayek 28).
By Michelle
A: "The French writers who laid the foundation of modern socialism had no doubt that their ideas could be put into practice by strong dictatorial government. To them socialism meant an attempt to 'terminate the revolutiom' by a deliberate reorganization of society on hierarchical lines and by the imposition of a coercive 'spiritual power'. Where freedom was concerned, the founders of socialism made no bones about their intentions. Freedom of thought they regarded as the root-evil of nineteenth-century society, and the first of modern planners, Saint-Simon, even predicted that those who did not obey his proposed planning borads would be 'treated as cattle'" (Hayek 28).
By Michelle
Liz Ch 3
Q: How are socialism and collectivism related?
A: " Socialism is a species of collectivism and that therfore everything which is true of collectivism as such must apply also to socialism. Nearly all the points which are disputed between socialists and liberals concern the meathods common to all forms of collectivism"
(pg 39)
A: " Socialism is a species of collectivism and that therfore everything which is true of collectivism as such must apply also to socialism. Nearly all the points which are disputed between socialists and liberals concern the meathods common to all forms of collectivism"
(pg 39)
Liz Ch 2
Q: What were W. H. Chamberlin's conclusions on socialism (pertaining to democracy) after studying in Russia, Germany, and Italy?
A: " Socialism acheived and maintained by democratic means seems definatly to belong to the world of utopias."(pg 32)
A: " Socialism acheived and maintained by democratic means seems definatly to belong to the world of utopias."(pg 32)
Liz Ch 1
Q: When we as a civilization look back upon our failed or altered attempts, what is the one thing Hayak says we are not ready to accept?
A: We are unable to accept "that the present state of the world may be the result of genuine error on our own part and that the pursuit of some of our own most cherished ideals has apparently produced results utterly different from those which we expected." (Hayak 13-14)
A: We are unable to accept "that the present state of the world may be the result of genuine error on our own part and that the pursuit of some of our own most cherished ideals has apparently produced results utterly different from those which we expected." (Hayak 13-14)
Charlie C-3
Q:
What is the exact meaning of the word "planning" in this book?
A:
"It is of the utmost importance to the argument of this book for the reader to keep in mind that the planning against which all our criticism is directed is solely the planning against competition-- the planning which is to be substituted for competition. This is more important, as we cannot, within the scope of this book, enter into a discussion of the very necessary planning which is required to make comptition as effective and beneficial as possible."
(Page 48)
What is the exact meaning of the word "planning" in this book?
A:
"It is of the utmost importance to the argument of this book for the reader to keep in mind that the planning against which all our criticism is directed is solely the planning against competition-- the planning which is to be substituted for competition. This is more important, as we cannot, within the scope of this book, enter into a discussion of the very necessary planning which is required to make comptition as effective and beneficial as possible."
(Page 48)
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Liz Intro
How did the check to collectivism emphasize the government?
" the check to collectivism did not check the growth of the government;rather, it diverted its growth to a different channel. The emphasis shifted from governmentally administered production activitiesto indirect regulation of supposedly private enterprises and even more to governmental transfer programs, involving extracting taxes from some in order to make some grants to others-all in the name of equality and the eradication of poverty but in practice producing an erraticand contradictory melange of subsidies to special interest groups. As a result, the fraction of national income being spent by governments has continued to mount." (Freidman xiii)
" the check to collectivism did not check the growth of the government;rather, it diverted its growth to a different channel. The emphasis shifted from governmentally administered production activitiesto indirect regulation of supposedly private enterprises and even more to governmental transfer programs, involving extracting taxes from some in order to make some grants to others-all in the name of equality and the eradication of poverty but in practice producing an erraticand contradictory melange of subsidies to special interest groups. As a result, the fraction of national income being spent by governments has continued to mount." (Freidman xiii)
Jesse intro
Q: What two forces does Friedman believe are primarily resonsible for the unexpected check to collectivism?
A: "First, and this was particularly important in britain, the conflict betwwen central planning and individual liberty that is hayek's theme became patent, particularly when the exigencies of central planning led to the so-called 'control of engagements' order under which the government had the power to assign people to occupations. The tradition of liberty, the liberal values, were still sufficiently strong in Britain so that, when the conflict occurred, central planning was sacrificed rather than individual liberty. The second force checking collectivism was simply its inefficientcy. Government proved unable to manage interprises, to organize resources to acheive stated objectives at reasonable cost. It became mired in bureaucratic confusion and inefficiency. Widespread disillusionment set in about the effectiveness of centralized government in administering programs "(Friedman xii-xiii).
A: "First, and this was particularly important in britain, the conflict betwwen central planning and individual liberty that is hayek's theme became patent, particularly when the exigencies of central planning led to the so-called 'control of engagements' order under which the government had the power to assign people to occupations. The tradition of liberty, the liberal values, were still sufficiently strong in Britain so that, when the conflict occurred, central planning was sacrificed rather than individual liberty. The second force checking collectivism was simply its inefficientcy. Government proved unable to manage interprises, to organize resources to acheive stated objectives at reasonable cost. It became mired in bureaucratic confusion and inefficiency. Widespread disillusionment set in about the effectiveness of centralized government in administering programs "(Friedman xii-xiii).
Charlie C-2
Q:
How is democarcy different from socialism for individuals according to De Tocqueville?
A:
"Democracy extends the sphere of individual freedom," he said in 1848; "socialism restricts it. Democracy attaches all possible value to each man; socialism makes each man a mere agent, a mere number." (Page 27)
How is democarcy different from socialism for individuals according to De Tocqueville?
A:
"Democracy extends the sphere of individual freedom," he said in 1848; "socialism restricts it. Democracy attaches all possible value to each man; socialism makes each man a mere agent, a mere number." (Page 27)
Victor Tran Hayke Intro
Q: Is socialism a matter of political party?
A: "[S]ocialisim of which we speak is not a party matter, and the questions which we are discussing have little to do with the questions at dispute with political parties. It does not affect our problem that some groups may want less socialisim than others" (Hayke 6-7).
Q: Is socialism a matter of political party?
A: "[S]ocialisim of which we speak is not a party matter, and the questions which we are discussing have little to do with the questions at dispute with political parties. It does not affect our problem that some groups may want less socialisim than others" (Hayke 6-7).
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Ellen Hayek intro
Q: What is the superficial and misleading view of National Socialism?
A: "The superficial and misleading view which sees in National Socialism merely a reaction fomented by those whose priviledges or interests were threatened by the advance of socialism was naturally supported by all those who, although they were at one time active in the movement of ideas that has led to National Socialism, have stopped at some point of that developement and, by the conflict into which this brought them with the Nazis, were formed to leave their country" (Hayek 10).
By Ellen
A: "The superficial and misleading view which sees in National Socialism merely a reaction fomented by those whose priviledges or interests were threatened by the advance of socialism was naturally supported by all those who, although they were at one time active in the movement of ideas that has led to National Socialism, have stopped at some point of that developement and, by the conflict into which this brought them with the Nazis, were formed to leave their country" (Hayek 10).
By Ellen
Ellen Fried. Intro
Q: What is Hayek's central insight according to Friedman?
A: "Experience in the past quarter century has strongly confirmed the validity of Hayek's central insight-that coordination of men's activities through central direction and through voluntary cooperation are roads going in very different directions: the first to serfdon, the second to freedom. That experience has also strongly reinforced a secondary theme-central direction is also a road to poverty for the ordinary man; voluntary cooperation, a road to plenty" (Friedman xiii-xiv).
By Ellen
A: "Experience in the past quarter century has strongly confirmed the validity of Hayek's central insight-that coordination of men's activities through central direction and through voluntary cooperation are roads going in very different directions: the first to serfdon, the second to freedom. That experience has also strongly reinforced a secondary theme-central direction is also a road to poverty for the ordinary man; voluntary cooperation, a road to plenty" (Friedman xiii-xiv).
By Ellen
Austendo Introduction
Q: What is the major problem faced by those who seek to create National Socialism?
A: Hayek's main idea thus far is that America has the potential to follow in Nazi Germany's footsteps. He states, "[One] can hardly fail to see that there is more than a superficial similarity between the trend of thought in Germany during and after the last war and the present current of ideas in the democracies." (p. 4) America, then, acts according to the same state of ideas as Germany: to move towards a National Socialism. Hayek perceives this to be "a problem of most momentous significance." The problem is that without the knowledge of the results of our actions, "[That] in our endeavor to shape our future in accordance with high ideals, we should in fact unwittingly produce the very opposite of what we have been striving for[.]" (p. 7) Without knowledge of the consequences, or knowing what we are truly bringing about, we may end up 'preparing the way for, if not actually creating, the forces which stand for everything we detest.' (pp. 5-6)
A: Hayek's main idea thus far is that America has the potential to follow in Nazi Germany's footsteps. He states, "[One] can hardly fail to see that there is more than a superficial similarity between the trend of thought in Germany during and after the last war and the present current of ideas in the democracies." (p. 4) America, then, acts according to the same state of ideas as Germany: to move towards a National Socialism. Hayek perceives this to be "a problem of most momentous significance." The problem is that without the knowledge of the results of our actions, "[That] in our endeavor to shape our future in accordance with high ideals, we should in fact unwittingly produce the very opposite of what we have been striving for[.]" (p. 7) Without knowledge of the consequences, or knowing what we are truly bringing about, we may end up 'preparing the way for, if not actually creating, the forces which stand for everything we detest.' (pp. 5-6)
Erin: Ch3
Q: What is a source of confusion within socialism?
A: There are many people who call themselves socialists, who fervently believe in those ultimate aims of socialism but neither care nor understand how the can be achieved, and who are merely certain that they must be achieved, whatever the cost. But to nearly all those to who, socialism is not merely a hope but an object of practical politics, the characteristic methods of modern socialism are as essential as the ends themselves. Many people, on the other hand, who value the ultimate ends of socialism no less than the socialists refuse to support socialism because of the dangers to other values they see in the methods proposed by the socialists. The dispute about socialism has thus become largely a dispute about means and not about ends[.] (Hayek: Definitive Edition pg 83)
A: There are many people who call themselves socialists, who fervently believe in those ultimate aims of socialism but neither care nor understand how the can be achieved, and who are merely certain that they must be achieved, whatever the cost. But to nearly all those to who, socialism is not merely a hope but an object of practical politics, the characteristic methods of modern socialism are as essential as the ends themselves. Many people, on the other hand, who value the ultimate ends of socialism no less than the socialists refuse to support socialism because of the dangers to other values they see in the methods proposed by the socialists. The dispute about socialism has thus become largely a dispute about means and not about ends[.] (Hayek: Definitive Edition pg 83)
Friday, June 8, 2007
Erin: Ch2
Q: How is freedom used to promote socialism?
A: [S]ocialism began increasingly to make use of the promise of a "new freedom". The coming of socialism was to be the leap from the realm of necessity to the realm of freedom. It was to bring "economic freedom," without which the political freedom already gained was "not worth having." (Hayek: Definitive Edition pg 77)
A: [S]ocialism began increasingly to make use of the promise of a "new freedom". The coming of socialism was to be the leap from the realm of necessity to the realm of freedom. It was to bring "economic freedom," without which the political freedom already gained was "not worth having." (Hayek: Definitive Edition pg 77)
Erin: Ch1
Q: How are we sometimes blind to the cause of a social problem?
A: "However much we may differ when we name the culprit - whether it is the wicked capitalist or the vicious spirit of a particular nation, the stupidity of our elders, or a social system not yet, although we have struggled against it for half a century, fully overthrown - we all are, or at last were until recently, certain of one thing: that the leading ideas which during the last generation have become common to most people of good will and have determined the major changes in our social life cannot have been wrong. We are ready to accept almost any explanation of the present crisis of our civilization ecept none: that the present state of the world may be the result of genuine error on our own part[.]" (Hayek: Definitive Edition pg65 - pg66)
A: "However much we may differ when we name the culprit - whether it is the wicked capitalist or the vicious spirit of a particular nation, the stupidity of our elders, or a social system not yet, although we have struggled against it for half a century, fully overthrown - we all are, or at last were until recently, certain of one thing: that the leading ideas which during the last generation have become common to most people of good will and have determined the major changes in our social life cannot have been wrong. We are ready to accept almost any explanation of the present crisis of our civilization ecept none: that the present state of the world may be the result of genuine error on our own part[.]" (Hayek: Definitive Edition pg65 - pg66)
Erin: Introduction
Q: According to Hayek, how is America in danger of becoming like nazi Germany?
A: "But students of the currents of ideas can hardly fail to see that there is more than a superficial similarity between the trend of thought in Germany during and after the last war and the present current of ideas in the democracies." (Hayek: Definitive Edition pg 58)
A: "But students of the currents of ideas can hardly fail to see that there is more than a superficial similarity between the trend of thought in Germany during and after the last war and the present current of ideas in the democracies." (Hayek: Definitive Edition pg 58)
Michelle Ch 1
Q: What is the crucial point of our change of ideas on how to govern ourselves that still so many are not yet aware of?
A: "The crucial point of which our people are still so little aware is, however, not merely the magnitude of the changes which have taken place during the last generation but the fact that they mean a complete change in the direction of the evolution of our ideas and social order" (Hayek 15-16).
By Michelle
A: "The crucial point of which our people are still so little aware is, however, not merely the magnitude of the changes which have taken place during the last generation but the fact that they mean a complete change in the direction of the evolution of our ideas and social order" (Hayek 15-16).
By Michelle
Charlie C-1
Q:
How did Auguste Comte and F.A.Hayek see individualism different?
A:
"the perennial Western malady, the revolt of individual against the species."
-- Auguste Comte
"...was indeed the force which built our civilization."
-- F.A.Hayek
(Page 20)
How did Auguste Comte and F.A.Hayek see individualism different?
A:
"the perennial Western malady, the revolt of individual against the species."
-- Auguste Comte
"...was indeed the force which built our civilization."
-- F.A.Hayek
(Page 20)
Please Remember to use the label box at the bottom of the post for any of your chapter questions. In this way, when you click on label, all of the chapter one questions will be grouped together--excellent for studying each chapter...and for Mr. Hughes to grade...
Michelle, go back and label yours, for example!
Michelle, go back and label yours, for example!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Michelle's OTHER intro question
G: What is the truth of the rise of fascism and naziism that many people were unwilling to recognize?
A: "Few are ready to recognize that the rise of fascism and naziism was not a reaction against the socialist trends of the proceeding period but a necessary outcome of those tendancies. This is a truth which most people were unwilling to see even when the similarities of many of the repellant features of the internal regimes in communist Russia and National Socialist Germany were widely recognized" (Hayek 6).
By Michelle
A: "Few are ready to recognize that the rise of fascism and naziism was not a reaction against the socialist trends of the proceeding period but a necessary outcome of those tendancies. This is a truth which most people were unwilling to see even when the similarities of many of the repellant features of the internal regimes in communist Russia and National Socialist Germany were widely recognized" (Hayek 6).
By Michelle
Michelle's intro question
Q: Where does Hayek feel he was wrong in this book?
A: "Where I now feel I was wrong in this book is chiefly in that I rather understressed the significance of the experience of communism in Russia-a fault which is perhaps pardonable when it is remembered that when I wrote, Russia was our wartime ally- and that I had not wholly freed myself from all the current interventionist superstitions, and in consequence still made various concessions which I now think unwarranted" (Hayek xxiv)
by Michelle
A: "Where I now feel I was wrong in this book is chiefly in that I rather understressed the significance of the experience of communism in Russia-a fault which is perhaps pardonable when it is remembered that when I wrote, Russia was our wartime ally- and that I had not wholly freed myself from all the current interventionist superstitions, and in consequence still made various concessions which I now think unwarranted" (Hayek xxiv)
by Michelle
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Charlie Hayek Intro
Q:
What is responsible for the conflict between Germany and other counties, as Hayek said?
German people or their thoughts?
A:
"We shall never be successful in our dealings with the Germans until we understand the character and the growth of the indeas which now govern them. The theory which is once again put forth, that the Germans as such are inherently vicious, is hardly tenable and not very creditable to those who hold it. (Page 9)
...
"Mere hatred of everything German instead of the particular ideas which now dominate the German is, moreover, very dangerous, because it blinds those who indulge in it against a real threat. (Page 10)
...
"I know that many of my Anglo-Saxon friends have sometimes been shocked by the semi-Fascist views they would occasionally hear expressed by German refugees, whose genuinely socialist convictions could not be doubted. But while these observers put this down to the others' being Germans, the true explanation is that they were socialists whose experience had carried them several stages beyond that yet reached by socialist in England and America." (Page 11)
What is responsible for the conflict between Germany and other counties, as Hayek said?
German people or their thoughts?
A:
"We shall never be successful in our dealings with the Germans until we understand the character and the growth of the indeas which now govern them. The theory which is once again put forth, that the Germans as such are inherently vicious, is hardly tenable and not very creditable to those who hold it. (Page 9)
...
"Mere hatred of everything German instead of the particular ideas which now dominate the German is, moreover, very dangerous, because it blinds those who indulge in it against a real threat. (Page 10)
...
"I know that many of my Anglo-Saxon friends have sometimes been shocked by the semi-Fascist views they would occasionally hear expressed by German refugees, whose genuinely socialist convictions could not be doubted. But while these observers put this down to the others' being Germans, the true explanation is that they were socialists whose experience had carried them several stages beyond that yet reached by socialist in England and America." (Page 11)
Bill C-2
Q: One of the most effective (if not the most effective) promise of socialist propaganda is what? Who was most attracted to this promise and why?
A: "There can be no doubt that the promise of greater freedom has become one of the most effective weapons of socialist propaganda and that the belief that socialism would bring freedom is genuine and sincere."
"Unquestionably, the promise of more freedom was responsible for luring more and more liberals along the socialist road, for blinding them to the conflict which exists between the basic priciples of socialism and liberalism, and often for enabling socialists to usurp the very name of the old party of freedom. Socialism was embraced by the greater part of the intelligentsia as the apparent heir of the liberal tradition." (Hayek 31)
A: "There can be no doubt that the promise of greater freedom has become one of the most effective weapons of socialist propaganda and that the belief that socialism would bring freedom is genuine and sincere."
"Unquestionably, the promise of more freedom was responsible for luring more and more liberals along the socialist road, for blinding them to the conflict which exists between the basic priciples of socialism and liberalism, and often for enabling socialists to usurp the very name of the old party of freedom. Socialism was embraced by the greater part of the intelligentsia as the apparent heir of the liberal tradition." (Hayek 31)
Bill C-3
Q: What do our planners (those who are not complete fatalists) demand?
A: "What our planners demand is a central direction of all economic activity according to a single plan, laying down how the resources of society should be 'consciously directed' to serve particular end in a definite way." (Hayek 40)
Q: What is the dispute between the modern planners and their opponents?
A: "The dispute [...] is, therefore, not a dispute on whether we ought to choose intelligently between the various possible organizations of society; it is not a dispute on whether we ought to employ foresight and systematic thinking in planning our common affairs. It is a dispute about what is the best way of doing so. The question is whether for this purpose it is better that the holder of coercive power should confine himself in general to creating conditions under which the knowledge and initiative of individuals are given the best scope so that they can plan most successfully; or whether a rational utilization of our resources requires central direction and organization of all our activities to some consciously constructed 'blueprint.'" (Hayek 40-41)
A: "What our planners demand is a central direction of all economic activity according to a single plan, laying down how the resources of society should be 'consciously directed' to serve particular end in a definite way." (Hayek 40)
Q: What is the dispute between the modern planners and their opponents?
A: "The dispute [...] is, therefore, not a dispute on whether we ought to choose intelligently between the various possible organizations of society; it is not a dispute on whether we ought to employ foresight and systematic thinking in planning our common affairs. It is a dispute about what is the best way of doing so. The question is whether for this purpose it is better that the holder of coercive power should confine himself in general to creating conditions under which the knowledge and initiative of individuals are given the best scope so that they can plan most successfully; or whether a rational utilization of our resources requires central direction and organization of all our activities to some consciously constructed 'blueprint.'" (Hayek 40-41)
Bill C-1
Q: The nineteenth century political intellects De Tocqueville and Lord Acton warned that socialism is another form of what?
A: "Although we had been warned [...] that socialism means slavery, we have steadily moved in the direction of socialism. And now that we have seen a new form of slavery arise before our eyes, we have so completely forgotten the warning that is scarcely occurs to us that the two things may be connected." (Hayek 16)
A: "Although we had been warned [...] that socialism means slavery, we have steadily moved in the direction of socialism. And now that we have seen a new form of slavery arise before our eyes, we have so completely forgotten the warning that is scarcely occurs to us that the two things may be connected." (Hayek 16)
Bill....Hayek Intro
Q: According to Hayek, why are we moving more towards socialism?
A: "It is because nearly everybody wants it that we are moving in this direction. There are no objective facts which make it inevitable."
"The main question is where this movemtn will leade us. Is it not possible that if the people whose convictions now give it an irresistible momentum began to see what only a few yet apprehend, they would recoil in horror and abandon the quest which for half a century has engaged so many people of good will?" (Hayek 7)
A: "It is because nearly everybody wants it that we are moving in this direction. There are no objective facts which make it inevitable."
"The main question is where this movemtn will leade us. Is it not possible that if the people whose convictions now give it an irresistible momentum began to see what only a few yet apprehend, they would recoil in horror and abandon the quest which for half a century has engaged so many people of good will?" (Hayek 7)
Bill....Friedman Intro
Q: According to Friedman, what are the basic differences in the argument between collectivism and individualism?
A: "The argument for collectivism is simple if false; it is an immediate emotional argument. The argument for individualism is subtle and sophisticated; it is an indirect rational argument. And the emotional faculties are more highly developed in most men than the rational, paradoxically or especially even in those who regard themselves as intellectuals." ( Hayek xii)
A: "The argument for collectivism is simple if false; it is an immediate emotional argument. The argument for individualism is subtle and sophisticated; it is an indirect rational argument. And the emotional faculties are more highly developed in most men than the rational, paradoxically or especially even in those who regard themselves as intellectuals." ( Hayek xii)
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Victor Tran Friedman Intro
Q: With the widespread demand for individualism and the freedom to "do one's own thing",what is the only way this can be acheived?
A: True individualism can only be acheived in a liberal type of government. "[Individualist values] can be acheived onlyin a liberal order in which government activity is limited primarily to establish frame work within whinch individuals are free to pursue their own objectives." The term liberal, as used in the book, refers to the practice of limited government and free market. This presents government as a body that sets guidelines. Within these guidelines, and individual can do as he or she chooses to acheive goals and and do pleasurable activities with no interference from government and liberalism is the only form that promotes individualistic practice.
A: True individualism can only be acheived in a liberal type of government. "[Individualist values] can be acheived onlyin a liberal order in which government activity is limited primarily to establish frame work within whinch individuals are free to pursue their own objectives." The term liberal, as used in the book, refers to the practice of limited government and free market. This presents government as a body that sets guidelines. Within these guidelines, and individual can do as he or she chooses to acheive goals and and do pleasurable activities with no interference from government and liberalism is the only form that promotes individualistic practice.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Adrian Intro
If so called 'Central Direction' leads to poverty and a 'Voluntary Co-op' leads to plenty, who is to say that the ideals of poverty and plenty is a set idea?
Meaning that if in a 'Central directed' society, the goals are to gain every possible advantage, making some millions, and others less, or losing millions, the idea of poverty changes according to each bracket of taxable income. Where as in a 'Voluntary' society of cooperators, who is to say that their idea of plenty is nothing more than dirt floors, not imported Italian Marble.
"Experience in the past quarter centrury has strongly confirmed the validity of Hayek's central insight--that coordination of men's activities through central direction and through voluntary cooperation are roads going in very different directions: the first to serfdom, the second to freedom. That experience has also strongly reinforeced a secondary theme--central direction is also a road to poverty for the ordinary man; voluntary cooperation, a road to plenty."(Road to Serfdom, Intro, xiii-xiv)
Meaning that if in a 'Central directed' society, the goals are to gain every possible advantage, making some millions, and others less, or losing millions, the idea of poverty changes according to each bracket of taxable income. Where as in a 'Voluntary' society of cooperators, who is to say that their idea of plenty is nothing more than dirt floors, not imported Italian Marble.
"Experience in the past quarter centrury has strongly confirmed the validity of Hayek's central insight--that coordination of men's activities through central direction and through voluntary cooperation are roads going in very different directions: the first to serfdom, the second to freedom. That experience has also strongly reinforeced a secondary theme--central direction is also a road to poverty for the ordinary man; voluntary cooperation, a road to plenty."(Road to Serfdom, Intro, xiii-xiv)
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Which Intro?
As I understand, we're expected to have questions for the Intro through Chapter 3 by the next 'due date.'
Question is: Which intro? I can do all of them if that's necessary, but I'm thinking you want the original author's intro.
Question is: Which intro? I can do all of them if that's necessary, but I'm thinking you want the original author's intro.
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