After Capitalism (New Critical Theory) - Softcover

Schweickart, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0742513009 ISBN 13: 9780742513006

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2002

Synopsis

In After Capitalism, David Schweickart moves beyond the familiar arguments against globalizing capitalism to contribute something absolutely necessary and long overdue--a coherent vision of a viable, desirable alternative to capitalism. He names this system Economic Democracy, a successor-system to capitalism which preserves the efficiency strengths of a market economy while extending democracy to the workplace and to the structures of investment finance. Drawing on both theoretical and empirical research, Schweickart shows how and why this model is efficient, dynamic, and superior to capitalism along a range of values.

About this title

About the Author:

David Schweickart is professor of philosophy at the Loyola University of Chicago and holds Ph.D.s in both philosophy and mathematics. He is author of Against Capitalism (Cambridge University Press, 1993) and Capitalism or Worker Control? An Ethical Economic Appraisal (Praeger, 1980), and co-author of Market Socialism: The Debate Among Socialists (Routledge, 1998).

Review:

Only the most fanatical adherents of the 'free market' orthodoxy will now say that 'there is no alternative.' After Capitalism is extremely clear and free of technical jargon so that it should be readily accessible to any reader. The book seems to me to be the best celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Communist Manifesto. (Schmitt, Richard)

Many book-cover blurbs urge that no one interested in its field can afford to ignore the pages within: here, for once, there would be no element of exaggeration. This book provides a clear and persuasive argument for why practically no one should resign themselves to the evils of capitalism. (Philosophy In Review)

At a time when American-style capitalism appears to be unassailable, this very readable book is a timely reminder that there really is an alternative. After Capitalism is full of hope but, importantly, also full of reason. Schweickart's concept of Economic Democracy provides a compelling vision for everyone distressed by the enormous waste of human potential that characterizes capitalism as we know it. (Thomas E. Weisskopf)

This brilliant and elegant tour de force makes a clear and compelling case for economic democracy and confirms David Schweickart as the leader in the field. (Sheehan, Thomas)

A fresh take on a familiar argument. (Future Survey)

David Schweickart uniquely joins a devastating critique of capitalism with a practical program for a democratic alternative, making After Capitalism a worthy successor to the work of Karl Marx. No one interested in implementing an alternative to capitalism can afford to ignore this landmark work. (Manley, John F.)

After Capitalism makes the clearest case I have seen that capitalism leads nowhere but to moral, social, and environmental catastrophe. Yet it inspires hope by describing a realistic and sensible way to put our productive lives in our own hands instead of at the service of capital accumulation. Schweickart's accessible book will enlighten students and political activists about how the world works while opening new paths for its transformation. (Clayton Morgareidge)

If a well-read non-socialist leftist were to ask me for the best current book on socialism, I'd recommend After Capitalism. (Science & Society)

About this edition

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0742513009
• ISBN 13: 9780742513006
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224