Against Capitalism / Edition 1

by David Schweickart

Overview

Capitalism is hegemonic today not because it is the best we fallible humans can do but because it supports, and is supported by, special interests of immense power. This book argues that Economic Democracy, a competitive economy of democratically run enterprises that replaces capitalist financial markets with more suitable institutions, will be more efficient than capitalism, more rational in its growth, more democratic, more egalitarian, and less alienating.Against Capitalism is an ambitious book, drawing on philosophical analysis, economic theory, and considerable empirical evidence to advance its controversial thesis. It examines both conservative and liberal forms of capitalism; it compares Economic Democracy to other models of socialism; and it considers the transition to Economic Democracy from advanced capitalist societies, from economies built on the Soviet model, and from conditions of underdevelopment. The book concludes with some unconventional reflections on historical materialism, ideal communism, and the future of Marxism.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780813331133
Publisher:	Westview Press
Publication date:	04/05/1996
Series:	Studies in Marxism & Social Theory
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	404
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

David Schweickart is professor of philosophy at Loyola University of Chicago. He holds doctorate degrees in both mathematics and philosophy. He is author of Capitalism or Worker Control? An Ethical and Economic Appraisal and of numerous articles published in both philosophical and economic journals.

Table of Contents

* Noncomparative Justifications * Terms of Comparison * Capitalism or Socialism?: Efficiency * Capitalism or Socialism?: Growth * Capitalism or Socialism?: Liberty, Equality, Democracy, Autonomy * Modern Liberalism * Transitions * Other SocialisMs. Marxian Reflections

Editorial Reviews

In a cogent response to capitalist rhetoric, Schweickart (philosophy, Loyola U.) argues that an alternative to capitalism called "economic democracy" can be a more efficient and egalitarian governing model than contemporary hegemony that is ruled by special interest. His thesis draws its power from economic theory, comparisons with capitalist and socialist structures, reflections on the history of materialism, and speculations on the future of Marxism and ideal communism. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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