Theoretical basis of welfare state, from Popper viewpoint (Reviewing philosophical bases of welfare state and its formation and function from Popper’s point of view)

علوم اجتماعی دانشگاه فردوسی مشهد

Article 5, Volume 5, Issue 1 - Serial Number 11, September 2008   

Document Type: Scientific-Research

DOI: 10.22067/jss.v0i0.8734

Authors

Majid Fouladiyaan^* ; Zeinab Faatemi Amin; Mohammad Ghafaarizadeh

Abstract

In 1930s, the idea of providing general welfare and welfare state appeared in industrial countries due to the belief in the ability of left forces in solving misfortunes that people entangled in; because of financial crisis in industrialized societies, expanded poverty, starvation and epidemic diseases which led millions of people to the hopelessness. Welfare states achieved outstanding success at the beginning but they started to move down at the end of the 20th century. Since theoretical basis suffered from inherent contradictions of its founders, critics pointed at the philosophical basis of welfare states. This article studies the theoretical basis of welfare states and reveals their contradictions and problems. Then according to the Popper’s philosophical point of view and his social attitudes, the theoretical basis of welfare states will be listed in comparison with Bentham's and Mill's thoughts. The writers of this study have attempted to show that unlike many other liberalists who disagree with any state patriarchy, Popper intends to maintain some dimensions of it which are necessary to make a less deprived society. According to Popper, state is a necessity; also he believes that government should be authorized in some cases in order to cope with its welfare aims for society. Unlike Bentham & Mill who believe in more welfare for more people, Popper proposes to minimize the avoidable stress. To achieve his aim, Popper suggests Graduate Social Engineering.

Keywords

Refutability; Welfare; welfare state; utilitarianist; social engineering

References