Thorsson Questra

There is a society with no lower class. A society where everyone has

healthcare, homes, food, water, and education. Everyone has a job, and
makes money based on how much and how well they work. The environment
gives every person opportunities for innovation. This is a capitalist/socialist
hybrid society. American capitalism system has been exploited by greedy
corporate tyrants. The richest 5% of the nation makes as much as the
bottom 40%. Jennifer Liberto, a writer for CNN wrote an article about the
employee and CEO wage gap. In 1980, CEOs at the largest companies
received 42 times the pay of the average worker, according to the union. In
2000 the gap hit a high, with CEOs making 525 times the average worker. In
2010, the gap narrowed, with CEOs making 343 times the average worker.
CEOs are not working 343 times harder than their average employee. It is
doubtful that they are even able to work 42 times harder than their average
employee.
Using statistics from the US census bureau, and examining the good
and bad aspects of socialist and capitalist countries, I will propose an
economic system which can stand against greedy exploitation, and still
provide incentives to work hard and fuel creativity. I will also be using the
works of philosophers and sociologists who debate the good and bad ideas of
capitalism and socialism. I will do extensive research for all sides of the
arguments, and will be providing the support with text citations and logical
relations in arguments.

It is the purpose of this paper to, first, define the parameters of

inequality, and portray how this is applied in Americas capitalist system.
Second, to promote the idea of market socialism and why it is a better
alternative to capitalism. Lastly to assess the facts of both systems and
logically weigh the arguments of each.
To aid me in my research, I have chosen the book, Market Socialism:
The Debate Among Socialists. The book includes articles about market
socialism written by four credible individuals. These participants write their
opinions, and proceed to debate the ideas presented. The two in favor of
market socialism are David Schweickart, and James Lawler, and the
opposition consists of Hillel Ticktin, and Bertell Ollman. Schweickart has two
PhDs, is a professor of philosophy at Loyola University, and has written books
and articles on Capitalism and Socialism. James Lawler received his PhD, is a
professor of philosophy at the State University of New York, and has written
many books and articles on Socialism. Hillel Tickktin received his PhD from
the University of Moscow, and has written over a hundred books and articles
on Communism, Capitalism, and Socialism. Bertell Ollman is a Politics
professor at New York University, received his PhD from Oxford. He has
written a number of books on Socialism and Capitalism, and is the creator of
the, Class Struggle, board game.
David Schweickarts first article in the book has been the most helpful
in providing support for Market Socialism. Though some of the material may
be controversial, I see the controversy as helping my side even more. He

compares the Chinese and American economies, and provides evidence that
Chinas economy is growing better than Americas. I see this as a great way
to rile up patriotic Americans. Furthermore, he describes two economic
models for Market Socialism, which he claims to be, not only viable, but
viable in America.
James Lawlers article is less relevant to the fundamental ideas of
Market Socialism, however, the article provides a detailed look at how
society would change with the sudden implementation of this system. Lawler
makes a point of disproving many of the fears people have of Socialism and
Communism, and what it would mean to live in these economies. This article
helps make the transition seem like a plausible occurrence, furthering the
idea that this can work in our country.
Hillel Ticktins article displays the weaknesses of Market Socialism.
However, his arguments are from a socialist perspective, and much of it
could help sell the idea to pro-Capitalists. On the other hand, he points out
that some of the worst aspects of Capitalism may transfer with the new
system. Some of these arguments, rather than being argued against, should
be taken into account to help fix and better the Market Socialism economy.
The final article before rebuttals is Bertell Ollmans. He argues two
ideas in his article. The first being Capitalism, and its many flaws compared
to other flawed systems. However, in the second half he argues against both
Capitalism and Market Socialism, claiming that the Market itself is the

problem. This is very helpful to my research, and gives me another angle

with which to approach my arguments.
(This part will be about the criticisms of the articles, and the responses
to the criticisms, which I will develop as I read further.)