CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM
§ 1 the Marxian Theory of Concentration
The Marxian theory suggests that capitalism will eventually lead to socialism due to the concentration of capital. In capitalism, workers lose their ownership of tools and production means, which increases reliance on a small number of capitalists. This process takes away power from individual workers and centralizes it among a few wealthy capitalists. As more wealth is concentrated, it becomes harder for capitalism to survive, and the working class may rise up against the capitalists. This transformation is viewed as the expropriation of the capitalists by the workers, changing private ownership into collective ownership.
Proponents of this theory, like Kautsky, argue that capitalism tends to concentrate wealth, potentially leading to a situation where only one person or company owns all production means. This could cause many people to become propertyless, resulting in widespread suffering and conflict. Eventually, these issues may force society to change direction or collapse altogether.
However, critics point out that the reasoning of the Marxian theory has flaws. They argue that it is based on a circular logic and that thoughts might influence society instead of the other way around. Also, statistical evidence often contradicts the idea of concentrated wealth, showing that income and wealth distribution do not support this theory. Overall, the relationship between ownership, production, and society is complex and debated.
§ 2 the Theory of Anti-Monopolistic Policy
The theory of anti-monopolistic policy argues that free competition is essential for a society based on private ownership, but this competition is threatened by the rise of monopolies. The negative effects of private monopolies can be so significant that society may need to shift towards state ownership. While socialism may have its problems, it is seen as less harmful than private monopolies. The theory requires careful investigation of whether monopoly control is actually growing and what its economic effects are. Historical attitudes have often biased the analysis against monopolies.
§ 1 the Marxian Theory of Concentration
The Marxian theory suggests that capitalism will eventually lead to socialism due to the concentration of capital. In capitalism, workers lose their ownership of tools and production means, which increases reliance on a small number of capitalists. This process takes away power from individual workers and centralizes it among a few wealthy capitalists. As more wealth is concentrated, it becomes harder for capitalism to survive, and the working class may rise up against the capitalists. This transformation is viewed as the expropriation of the capitalists by the workers, changing private ownership into collective ownership.
Proponents of this theory, like Kautsky, argue that capitalism tends to concentrate wealth, potentially leading to a situation where only one person or company owns all production means. This could cause many people to become propertyless, resulting in widespread suffering and conflict. Eventually, these issues may force society to change direction or collapse altogether.
However, critics point out that the reasoning of the Marxian theory has flaws. They argue that it is based on a circular logic and that thoughts might influence society instead of the other way around. Also, statistical evidence often contradicts the idea of concentrated wealth, showing that income and wealth distribution do not support this theory. Overall, the relationship between ownership, production, and society is complex and debated.
§ 2 the Theory of Anti-Monopolistic Policy
The theory of anti-monopolistic policy argues that free competition is essential for a society based on private ownership, but this competition is threatened by the rise of monopolies. The negative effects of private monopolies can be so significant that society may need to shift towards state ownership. While socialism may have its problems, it is seen as less harmful than private monopolies. The theory requires careful investigation of whether monopoly control is actually growing and what its economic effects are. Historical attitudes have often biased the analysis against monopolies.