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The Study On Welfare State Under The Perspective Of Political Philosophy

Posted on:2011-06-23Degree:DoctorType:Dissertation
Country:ChinaCandidate:L W LiuFull Text:PDF
GTID:1116360305473881Subject:Marxist philosophy
Abstract/Summary:PDF Full Text Request
In contemporary social and political thoughts, the concepts of welfare and welfare state are in the dominant position. Once born, it has become the focus of the theoretical debates between freedom and equality, equity and efficiency, rights and obligations. Welfare and welfare state has not only related to public policies, but also the basic political philosophy issues, such as freedom and justice. Discussions of welfare and welfare state have always been permeated with utilitarianism, rights, individualism and collectivism. As the revival of moral orientation of the welfare reflection, liberal theory of welfare suffered significant impacts, the welfare ideas of democratic socialism are also in an adjustment. The relationships between welfare and justice, equality, freedom and right are inseparable.'Welfare','happiness'and'satisfaction of needs' have become theoretical foundation of state intervention or a series of compulsory implementing institutions and policies.From the perspective of political philosophy, taking Britain as an example, the paper analyzes the formation, development, crisis and reform of welfare state both in the theoretical and practical level; tries to seek the insights of the evolution of the welfare state by Marxist theory; searches the moral appeals of welfare and social security; explores how to realize human respects and the value of human existence in civilized society. Firstly, the paper explains the ideological and theoretical origins of welfare state; discusses the welfare ideas of liberalism, democratic socialism and citizenship theory. Secondly, the paper carries out a diachronic analysis, including the formation and development of British welfare state after World Warâ…¡, conservative reforms by Thatcher, and British New Labour party's democratic socialist Third Way welfare reform activities. Thirdly, following the specific level's analysis, the paper summarizes to extract theoretical and practical dilemmas which generally exist in modern Britain and other welfare states. Fourthly, reflects the theory and practice of welfare state. By reflecting the theories of welfare state, the paper demonstrates the relationships between justice, equality and welfare state; reflects the pursing value of British welfare state by the egalitarianism of the third way; reveals the philosophical essence of welfare state's practice by applying Marxist social organism theory; and ultimately focuses the argument about how welfare system can satisfy human needs, happiness, self-fulfillment and the ultimate goal of comprehensive development of human being. Finally, in the conclusion part, the paper discusses the possible learning experiences from the theory and practice of welfare state in building a harmonious society in China.
Keywords/Search Tags:Welfare State, Political philosophy, Britain
PDF Full Text Request
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