06-26-2003, 06:52 AM
I have to be honest, Occhi, I've never heard of the term capitalism used as a descriptor of feudal "economies". Just curious as to your reference there. Clearly these economies weren't market-based, so I'd just like to know what your definition of 'capitalism' entails. As far as I would define it, capitalist systems require market principles of labour and trade that at least moderately adhere to the Smithian "laissez-faire" model as a means of creating mutual benefit among individuals through competitive self-interest. It would seem that a 'command' society would fall outside of this realm given the absence of competition as a limiting factor over the nobility's monopoly control over regional means of production (particularly given the subsistence living standards of the average serf and his relative inability to travel as a result). Clearly you approach capitalism with a different notion in mind; perhaps the notion that those who control a society's capital stock tend to disproportionately reap the benefits of production?
Anyways, I found your proposition interesting. :)
Anyways, I found your proposition interesting. :)
But whate'er I be,
Nor I, nor any man that is,
With nothing shall be pleased till he be eased
With being nothing.
William Shakespeare - Richard II
Nor I, nor any man that is,
With nothing shall be pleased till he be eased
With being nothing.
William Shakespeare - Richard II