Books by Richard Schmitt

This book asks detailed questions about socialism. It aims to encourage socialists to think in more detail about the socialist project than is customary. Some of the essays ask such questions as: the role of the division of labor in a socialist society, is socialism incompatible with human nature, what is socialist solidarity, and what is the role of social movements in the transition to socialism? (Lexington Books, 2012)

Textbooks are usually lectures in book form. They convey information and ideas. But an Introductory Philosophy class should teach students how to think for themselves by asking questions and suggesting alternative answers and testing those answers. It should not provide ready made answers to the students. This text differs from the majority of other philosophy texts by taking this problem very seriously. It presents various controversies in social and political philosophy and then raises questions for the students. The text equips the students with all the relevant information about a particular idea or controversy and then leaves it to the students to consider questions. The text does not provide answers or "standard views." It leaves it to the students to answer the questions raised by the material presented. (Rowman and Littlefield, 2009)

A selection of original essays by over 30 contributors reflecting about different aspects of socialism. Topics are, for instance, socialism and religion, prisons under socialism, socialism and sexuality. The book tries to initiate a discussion about the nature of socialism and raise very detailed questions about it. (Lexington Books, 2006)

In our society is it very difficult to make sense of one's life; individuals have a hard time telling a coherent story about their history and experience and are, therefore, alienated. This condition enfeebles their freedom. Free men and women require not only political and social rights but also the lively will to nurture and perfect free institutions. Lacking that will, the alienated are barely free. (Boulder: Westview, 2002)

The doctrines of Marx and Engels are written down in widely dispersed passages throughout their work. This books collects them into a coherent whole and provides explanations and critical appraisals. Second Edition. (Boulder: Westview, 1997)

The dominant view of human beings insists on their separateness from one another. Each is seen as owner of him or herself. This book recommends that we see ourselves, instead, as achieving our unique individuality in relations to many other persons. (Boulder: Westview Press, 1995)