Preparation
Read, listen, notice.
Conceptual foundation
Socialism — Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Read the introduction, socialist principles, and the overview of institutional models. Focus on ownership, control and democracy.Contemporary comparison
The ‘Nordic model’ of capitalism
A concise account of how competitive markets coexist with redistribution, public services and organized labor.Historical counterpoint
The Post-Communist Transition: Patterns and Prospects
Look for the institutional problems of prices, shortages, property rights, incentives and capital allocation.The conversation
Questions worth sitting with.
- 01
What things do markets allocate particularly well?
- 02
What things do markets allocate badly?
- 03
Should equality of outcome itself be a political objective, or primarily equality of opportunity?
- 04
Is private ownership important because of freedom, incentives, efficiency—or all three?
- 05
What would you personally be willing to sacrifice in economic efficiency to obtain greater equality?
Thought experiment
The birth lottery
Compare three societies, then choose one to be born into without knowing whether you will be rich or poor. After choosing, ask again knowing you will be in the top 10%. What changed—and why?
| Measure | Country A | Country B | Country C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average income | €100k | €80k | €60k |
| Bottom 20% | €20k | €35k | €40k |
| Top 10% | €400k | €180k | €80k |
| Government role | Low | High | Very high |
| Private enterprise | Dominant | Dominant | Limited |
A Which society would you choose without knowing whether you would be rich or poor?
B Which would you choose knowing you will be in the top 10%?
Private reflection
Write before you persuade.
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Shared synthesis.
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