For nearly two centuries, societies have weighed the merits of free-market capitalism and central planning under socialism. Debates continue over which system maximizes prosperity and better protects individual liberty. Watch the video and respond to the questions below.

"Jonathan Haidt: Three Stories About Capitalism (2014 WORLD.MINDS)"Links to an external site.

1) In the "Capitalism is Exploitation" story who are "the good guys" and who are "the bad guys"? Why are the good guys considered good? Why are the bad guys considered bad?

2) In the "Capitalism is Liberation" story who are "the good guys" and who are "the bad guys"? Why are the good guys considered good? Why are the bad guys considered bad?

3) The third story says that capitalism is both liberation and exploitation. Do you agree with Jonathan Haidt that Western (democratic capitalist) societies can balance "dynamism and decency"? In other words, do you think the benefits of capitalism aregenerallygreater than the problems it creates? Why or why not?

4) Explain what Dr. Haidt means by "wicked problems" and give one of the examples he uses.

5) After the experience of socialism in the twentieth century, why do you think socialism continues to appeal to many people? Capitalism is often criticized for creating unequal societies. What kind of inequality exists in socialist economies?