Full bibliography

In this article we argue that reinvigorating socialist politics requires championing a socialist worldview that goes beyond the critique of capitalism. Neglecting such an outlook leaves socialism tethered to the fortunes of capitalism and inhibits a broader account of its own virtues. We begin by explaining why worldview thinking is appropriate today. Then we examine two underappreciated works by Karl Polanyi (his 1927 lecture “On Freedom”) and Charles Taylor (his 1974 essay “Socialism and Weltanschauung”). Each treats worldview thinking as indispensable and we use them as catalysts for developing a socialist vision. Finally, we bring our insights to bear on the worldview potential of socialist republicanism. We contend that a promising worldview emerges by elaborating the following components: a political anthropology of human possibilities; anti-capitalism, social freedom, and non-domination; socialist civic virtues; and the promise and limits of pluralism.