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From Publishers Weekly
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 text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
The Ground Zero of Ideological Thought,
By
This review is from: A Conflict Of Visions: Idealogical Origins Of Political Struggles (Paperback)
I have read several essays by Mr. Sowell, and have always been impressed. In A Conflict of Visions, Mr Sowell attempts to explain the basic grounding that people have, in regards to their political points of view. There is the constrained view of human nature, versus the unconstrained view. The constrained viewpoint feels human nature has restrictions, that must be considered at all times. The unconstrained viewpoint feels that there are no limits to human nature. All that is needed is someone smart enough to figure out a solution to societies problems.Sowell also goes onto explain how different political systems fit into his model. This is a great book, to help you understand how other people form their political viewpoints.
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Stru,
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This review is from: A Conflict Of Visions (Paperback)
In this clearly written book, Sowell divides world visions or ideologies into two basic types: constrained and unconstrained. The constrained view accepts human nature and historical experience roughly as they are. The other philosophical perspective highlights the perfectability of humanity, widening the range of individual choices without saying when or how far. Various hybrid positions are sketched. Sowell shows Marxism, for example, to embody a constrained past under slavery and bourgeois capitalism, but foresees an unconstrained future under socialism. Fascism imposes constraints upon followers but not on its leaders. The author relies mainly on the great theorists for his illustrations. Hobbes, Adam Smith, Malthus, Burke, F. Hayek, and M. Friedman, among others, convey a constrained philosophy. Rousseau, Godwin, Condorcet, Veblen, and Galbraith tilt toward unconstraint. The dividing lines, however, are rarely sharp. This book is not anchored as it should be in history or in systematic comparisons of societies. Nothing is said about the civilizations of India, China, Africa, or Latin America; the focus is upon Western societies and their ideologies. For this reason, the work is somewhat limited
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Read,
By
This review is from: A Conflict Of Visions (Paperback)
This book was helpful in seeing other sides of issues. It enforced my belief that most people are attempting to do what is right. They have logically come to their visions of what is right based on differernt premises. One minor detraction is Sowell's altruistic contention that both visions do and should do what is best for society rather than what is best for oneself. He mostly ignores rational individualism as moral.
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