Question: Capitalism vs. Plutocracy

[Ora Uzel]

Is there a difference between plutocracy and capitalism?  Explain.

[Jameson Wallace]

plutocracy is a political system, where influence is determined by
economy.

capitalism is an economic system, which doesnt have to be applied to
politics.

the US is supposed to be a democratic capitalism, but if, as many claim,
capiatlism undermines democracy, say by dumbing down the populace,
then capitalism creates a plutocracy.

poly-sci people have more to say on the difference, but that is the
gist.
most conservatives do not believe that capialism leads to plutocracy,
most liberals do.

On Jul 2, 2010, at 3:13 PM, Ora Uzel wrote:

> Is there a difference between plutocracy and capitalism? Explain.
>

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "village-discuss" group.
> To post to this group, send email to village...@googlegroups.com.
> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to village-discu...@googlegroups.com
> .
> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/village-discuss?hl=en
> .

[Ora Uzel]

Nice!

But therefore I would suggest that if "plutocracy is a political system, where influence is determined by economy," then couldn't it be considered that plutocracy is one of many things which a capitalism could evolve into?  And if so, how do we delineate whether said capitalism has or has not, or will or will not, or how we can avoid a move into plutocracy?

I'm not the best person to ask about economics and politics, so the more educated feel free to chime in here.

Ora

--
Seek Harmonious Expression:
http://www.SacredExotic.com

[Jameson Wallace]

Generally, people say that social democracy tempers the harsh extremes of capitalism by placing importance on social mechanisms.  For example a single mother is a less productive member of society when evaluated strictly by GDP.  A social democracy would argue that taxing everyone to help support the mother is better for society in the long term.

That is the typical answer, and personally, I am pretty board with it.  I think a more novel answer, and one less explored is something like "Culturalism."  Aristotle talked extensively about artist and philosopher run societies, but by the time you get to Hobbes, such talk has degraded into Aristocracy and market elitism.  Somehow the history of political thought missed the role that creativity plays in maintaining a vibrant society.

Here I would differentiate Social from Cultural.  Social dealing more with status and placement in a social fabric, while culture would deal more with aesthetics and advancement of craft.  In my opinion, what the US needs most is a Renaissance.

Our country has deep wounds. our currency is failing and two thirds of government spending goes to the military.  We don't even budget to pay the interest on our exponential national debt.  and nearly all our social and regulatory services have been privatized; which means they move with the market.  

It will take a lot of creativity and spirit to weather the next generation. And it is exactly creative problem solving that can produce sustainability and can continue to lead toward a global information economy.  

To do this we need new public services which speak directly to the cultural health of our citizens at the local level.  Art makes people happy; not media or pharmaceuticals.  

I do not mean a new State Art; but a new State of the Arts; created by providing creative and cultural institutions a small fraction of the advantages that are currently alloted to the energy or weapons industries.

If the arts funding in this country were increased to ten times the highest level they have ever been at; it would equal two percent of the current US military budget.  For two percent less soldiers in the ground in Iraq - for two percent less reserves on weekend training missions - for two percent less arms production - this country could have the biggest Renaissance it has ever known.

Projects like the Holocaust Museum show how the arts can work to heal generational wounds.  Arts education also produces innovation; and it produces media capable of capturing global attention.

On Jul 2, 2010, at 9:52 PM, Ora Uzel wrote:

Nice!

But therefore I would suggest that if "plutocracy is a political system, where influence is determined by economy," then couldn't it be considered that plutocracy is one of many things which a capitalism could evolve into?  And if so, how do we delineate whether said capitalism has or has not, or will or will not, or how we can avoid a move into plutocracy?

I'm not the best person to ask about economics and politics, so the more educated feel free to chime in here.

Ora

On Fri, Jul 2, 2010 at 5:19 PM, Jameson Wallace <xchi...@gmail.com> wrote:

plutocracy is a political system, where influence is determined by economy.

capitalism is an economic system, which doesn't have to be applied to politics.

the US is supposed to be a democratic capitalism, but if, as many claim,

capitalism undermines democracy, say by dumbing down the populace,

then capitalism creates a plutocracy.

poly-sci people have more to say on the difference, but that is the gist.

most conservatives do not believe that capitalism leads to plutocracy,

most liberals do.

On Jul 2, 2010, at 3:13 PM, Ora Uzel wrote:

Is there a difference between plutocracy and capitalism?  Explain.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "village-discuss" group.
To post to this group, send email to village...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to village-discu...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/village-discuss?hl=en.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "village-discuss" group.
To post to this group, send email to village...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to village-discu...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/village-discuss?hl=en.

--
Seek Harmonious Expression:
http://www.SacredExotic.com