Synopsis
Shows how social theorists--from William Godwin and Adam Smith in the eighteenth century to John Kenneth Galbraith and Milton Friedman in the twentieth--have based their thinking on two irreconcilable premises: the constrained and unconstrained vision
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Reviews
Sowell, an economist and author (The Economics and Politics of Race, etc.), presents a provocative analysis of the conflicting visions of human nature that have shaped the moral, legal and economic life of recent times. For the past 200 years, he writes, two visions ofor "gut feelings" abouthow the world works, have dominated: the constrained vision, which views man as unchanged, limited and dependent on evolved social processes (market economies, constitutional law, etc.); and the unconstrained vision, which argues for man's potential and perfectability, and the possibility of rational planning for social solutions. Examining the views of thinkers who reflect these constrained (Adam Smith) and unconstrained (William Godwin) visions, Sowell shows how these powerful and subjective visions give rise to carefully constructed social theories. His discussion of how these conflicting attitudes ultimately produce clashes over equality, social justice and other issues is instructive.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
This latest work by Sowell examines two competing visions which shape our debates about the nature of reason, justice, equality, and power. These visions are the "constrained" vision, which sees human nature as unchanging and selfish, and the "unconstrained" vision, in which human nature is malleable and perfectible. The book builds a convincing case that ethical and policy disputes are ultimately based on the differences in these visions. It covers a wide variety of political, philosophical, and economic thought. Although occasionally abstract, this volume is an important contribution to our understanding of current social issues. Recommended for large public and all college and university libraries. Richard C. Schiming, Economics Dept., Mankato State Univ., Minn.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political...
Seller Image
A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles
Seller: Zoom Books Company, Lynden, WA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: very_good. Book is in very good condition and may include minimal underlining highlighting. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Seller Inventory # ZBV.0688069126.VG
Stock Image
A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Very Good condition. Good dust jacket. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Seller Inventory # M03H-01304
Stock Image
A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles
Published by
William Morrow & Company, New York, NY, 1987
ISBN 10: 0688069126
ISBN 13: 9780688069124
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Lost Books, AUSTIN, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hard cover. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. 273 p. Audience: General/trade. Very good in very good dust jacket. Jacket is price clipped, else near fine in mylar. Text is clean and unmarked. Seller Inventory # Alibris.0015678
Stock Image
A Conflict of Visions
Published by
William Morrow & Company, New York, NY, 1987
ISBN 10: 0688069126
ISBN 13: 9780688069124
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Lost Books, AUSTIN, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hard cover. Condition: Fine in fine dust jacket. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. 273 p. Audience: General/trade. Seller Inventory # Alibris.0017986
Seller Image
A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. INSCRIBED! New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1987. 2nd printing. 8vo hardcover. 273pp. Inscribed "To Gerald Gunther with best regards // Thomas Sowell" by the author on half title page. Gunther was a renowned German-American constitutional law scholar and professor at Stanford Law School from 1962 until his death in 2002. Very Good book and Good dust jacket. Light edgewear with bumped lower corners. The top-edge is lightly flecked. The inside is clean. The dust jacket is a bit toned with edgewear and a few small tears to the spine tips. Sowell's arguement that political conflicts stem from two opposing visions of human nature: the constrained vision, which emphasizes individual liberty and limited government, and the unconstrained vision, which advocates for social engineering and government intervention. (Human nature, Individual liberty, Limited government, Social engineering, Government intervention, Political ideology, Policy outcomes) Inquire if you need further information. Seller Inventory # CA08B-00253
Stock Image
A Conflict of Visions; Ideological Origins of Political Struggles
Published by
William Morrow & Company, 1987
ISBN 10: 0688069126
ISBN 13: 9780688069124
New
Hardcover
Seller: BWS BKS, Ferndale, NY, U.S.A.
Seller rating 1 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 129194