How capitalism ends

First published on 14 September 2020. There are several dimensions to the supposed demise of capitalism. There are two developments and two critical contradictions behind the system’s present afflictions. Capitalism may end, however, in two different ways—one of which less an end to capitalism than a return to a different form of capitalism. Lastly, if … Continue reading How capitalism ends →

On history and morality: The two theories

An undergraduate essay, which I recently revisited at the conclusion of my first postgraduate degree. If we are to formulate a theory of everything, the theory may come in (at least) two parts. The first theory addresses what is, and the second considers what ought to be. The first is the theory of history, and … Continue reading On history and morality: The two theories →

A winter’s tale: The allegory of the house of freedom

We’ve walked along history’s road. We’re naked and freezing—but at least we can see with our eyes. Then, we are blindfolded, taken to another part of the road, and given a warm coat. Once, we had pain and knowledge. Now, we have pleasure and ignorance. Once, we were chattel slaves, and we were told as … Continue reading A winter’s tale: The allegory of the house of freedom →

Voices of Capital II: In the shadow of coronavirus

This week on Voices of Capital: The Economist deepens its new-found love of crisis spending, The Financial Times contemplates debt and capital markets, and The Wall Street Journal gets hyped about vaccines and stocks. Welcome to Voices of Capital, Volume II. Voices of Capital–in the shadow of coronavirus (to be specific: SARS-CoV-2). In the Economist this … Continue reading Voices of Capital II: In the shadow of coronavirus →

Voices of Capital I: Welcome!

Welcome to this series of essays on three ‘voices of capital’: The Economist, The Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal. What do I mean my ‘voices of capital’? To answer that question, let’s get more specific. By capital, I mean the interests, or the needs, of two social entities: The market system (capitalism); and The … Continue reading Voices of Capital I: Welcome! →

The fusion manifesto: Against corona capitalism, for a better world

Corona capitalism has dawned. Self-isolation is the norm. 'Work from home' is the rule. And hell is anon. What kind of hell, you may well ask? A hell of fission, or separation among institutions and people. Yet this hell is not totally knew. On the contrary: fission is the default of capitalism, which began with … Continue reading The fusion manifesto: Against corona capitalism, for a better world →

The diamond theory of everything

What matters? What matters historically? What matters morally? These questions plague any politically- or philosophically-minded person. In his magnum opus, On What Matters, philosopher Derek Parfit considered the last question: what matters morally? Parfit’s answer relates to what I’m going to consider in this post, but it’s not too central. For Parfit, moral statements are … Continue reading The diamond theory of everything →

How capitalism might end

Bernie Sanders says he's a democratic socialist. In this post, I argue that he's right. Bernie, unlike every other presidential hopeful, has both the ability and the will to implement a truly left-wing agenda which advances the cause of human freedom. Workers of the world: feel the Bern.

How do you solve a problem like the climate?

Despite the fuss people are making about climate change, nothing seems to change. Global emissions continue to rise, and governments continue to remain pretty passive. What can we do? As individual 'consumers'--not much. Only 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the stuff linked to individual consumer habits--like flying, meat-eating, or driving. The bulk … Continue reading How do you solve a problem like the climate? →

The revolution will be unified: How to fight climate breakdown

The capitalist social order both causes and exacerbates climate breakdown by misdirecting technological development and fragmenting what I call 'the social political economy'. As a social—not merely economic—order, capitalism restricts our ability to take the foot off the accelerator—let alone to slam on the brake. I advocate transitioning from capitalism’s disunified social political economy to … Continue reading The revolution will be unified: How to fight climate breakdown →