Academic Journal
IS CAPITALISM CORRUPT?
| Title: | IS CAPITALISM CORRUPT? |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Miller, Richard W. |
| Source: | Social Philosophy & Policy; Winter2018, Vol. 35 Issue 2, p31-53, 23p |
| Abstract: | In one broad construal, corruption consists of deriving benefit from power over others in morally objectionable ways. The charge that capitalism is corrupt is usefully understood as a claim that modern capitalist economies inevitably and pervasively generate corrupt gains, in this sense, through conduct that does not transgress capitalist norms for individuals' economic conduct. Modern capitalism has two features that would figure prominently in such an indictment: gains from the inferior bargaining power of most workers and gains from the superior political influence of those in the best economic situations. The taint of corruption should be reduced by political measures that move capitalist commerce toward Adam Smith's commercial ideal of gains from exchanging help for help and that show appreciation of the equal importance of everyone's presumed desire to have a life shaped by directives that he or she willingly accepts. Through such measures, capitalism could, in principle, become non-corrupt. In practice, unequal political influence will prevent this. Ending the corruptness of capitalism is an unattainable yet productive goal of reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 02650525 |
| DOI: | 10.1017/S0265052519000116 |
| Database: | Complementary Index |