@peterdrake No such thing as late stage capitalism, capitalism doesnt have stages, it is the default state
I think in many senses capitalism is indeed currently the default state, but it wasn't in the past and probably won't be in the future!
I disagree, capitalism is the default even among animals.. Teh key is understanding that capitalism is not something on the opposite end of a spectrum with socialism... socialism in the form you have in europe is still capitalism, As long people are free to trade among themselves it is capitalism
"capitalism is the default even among animals."
Any evidence? Chapter and verse for this statement? Me? I hate fundamentalism in all its forms...
Yes, barter behavior is well studied in chimps and occurs naturally without any instruction:
http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwexa/news/archive/2009/09_0610-tradingbehavior.html
Difficult times so a simple answer on this occasion. Bartering and free markets (which I fully support) don't equate to capitalism. Many other factors are in the frame e.g. (to use traditional language) usury!
@iankenway
I disagree thats exactly what capitalism is, free trade.
@peterdrake
Umm. I think there may be a 'category error' thing going on here!
@iankenway
People have tried to manipulat capitalism to mean something much more than it really does. In truth thats all it is. The other qualities people often try to describe of capitalism are really something else.
In your own words how would you identify the fundemental properties that define a capitalism? I suspect you mean something by a different name
@peterdrake
First, when I referred to a "category error" I had in mind the philosopher Gilbert Ryle who actually used the term "category mistake".
Capitalism, for me, isn't just about free markets (a necessary condition) but also includes the practice of credit creation (through the charging of interest) as well as private and non-state corporate enterprise and ownership.
@iankenway
The term you are thinking of is Quantitative easing. It is not necceserary or part of the definition of a capitalism.
You are correct though that a capitalism does not allow for state ownership, but that is still the default and true of chimps or clearly have no sense of state and anything a chimp has is his own.
Sorry iyour right ive been busy flying and getting setup here, I am afraid I didnt read your reply as carefully as I should have.
@freemo @peterdrake No problem These are strange times! Take care - and best!