Question

1. Consider the phrase by the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez;

‘The old values of individualism, capitalism and egoism must be demolished’

Discuss the phrase and indicate whether it is consistent with the organic or mechanistic view of government. Support your argument.

Answer 1

The statement given by the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez emphasizes on the demolition of old values like individualism, capitalism and egoism. This implies that the self centred values must be removed. The values of individualism, capitalism and egoism are all self centred. The two views of the government given are organic view and mechanistic view. The organic view states that the society is made up of the individuals and the government. The society is like a natural organism and individuals are a part of the organism. The welfare of the society is the primary aim of the government and not the welfare of the individuals. It believes that the welfare of the individuals will occur automatically with the welfare of the society. The values like individualism, egoism and capitalism cannot survive in such a viewpoint of the government. Thus, the statement is consistent with the organic view of the government.  

The mechanistic view of the government states that the aim of the government is to work for the welfare of the individuals in the society. This is not consistent with the statement given.