Socialism for Soloists

The idea of socialism is making a comeback, particularly among rising generations. Their interest is likely to prove transitory, however, if socialism ignores their yearning for individual autonomy. Why should “soloists” embrace socialism?

In this highly original new book, William Edmundson argues that there are compelling reasons for even the most resolute of individualists to embrace socialism. Political equality is incompatible with private ownership of the means of production – which today incorporates not only the highway system, the currency, and the power grid but also platforms like Amazon, Facebook, and Google. Socialism is therefore essential to protect the basic liberal rights and freedoms that underpin our social contract.

This pathbreaking defence of liberal democratic socialism will be essential reading not only for all on the left, but also for students and scholars of liberalism, libertarianism, and the social contract.

Acknowledgements


Introduction. What Is This Thing Called “Socialism”?


Part One: Getting to Principles of Justice

Chapter 1. The Social Contract

Chapter 2. Why Economic Inequality?

Chapter 3. How Much Economic Inequality?

Chapter 4. How Much Political Equality?

Summary of Part One


Part Two: Getting Justice Done

Chapter 5. Why Worry about “the Means of Production”?

Chapter 6. Getting Real about Political Equality

Chapter 7. The Productivity Club

Chapter 8. Managing Public Assets


Conclusion. Summarizing the Soloist Case for Socialism

Afterword

“This accessible introduction to the philosophy and practicality of market socialism is a must-read for anyone interested in building a more just and more free society.”
Matt Bruenig, People’s Policy Project

“In this splendid new book, William Edmundson develops the social contract tradition to show how only a socialist society enables individuals to flourish. He makes such a clear and compelling case for socialism that no liberal who is truly committed to individual freedom, equality, and reciprocity can possibly resist.”
Lea Ypi, London School of Economics

William Edmundson is Regents Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy at Georgia State University.