PHIL 29920 - Alternatives to Capitalism

Course Credit: 1
(ECON)
ALTERNATIVES TO CAPITALISM: This course is dedicated to exploring and understanding alternatives to capitalism as a political and economic system. To begin, we clarify key philosophical and economic concepts, identify some design principles, and establish a precise definition of capitalism. We go on to explore alternatives in four broad areas. The first concerns the contrast between labor as a factor of production and work. What does this imply for the structuring of corporations and cooperatives? The second concerns the juxtaposition of natural resources and the commons. What does this difference mean for non-capitalist economies? The third area concerns the contrast between market competition and cooperation. This will require exploration of alternatives to growth. The fourth area concerns the concepts of investment, money, and financial markets. How might these institutions look in non-capitalistic economies?