Re: [OPE-L] what is irrational in the functioning of capitalism and socialism?

From: glevy@PRATT.EDU
Date: Thu Nov 23 2006 - 11:12:42 EST 

> Allright then Jerry. We will have to think dialectically about it. In the
> literature on the topic, this question is answered basically in terms of
> type and scope.
> > 1) What are we fighting/competing/struggling about?
> 2) What is the scope of that conflict?

Jurriaan:

The point I was trying to make was the following: in a 'socialist'
(post-capitalist, transitional) society, struggle is an essential part
of the dynamic of that society.  That struggle can be expressed
in various ways: e.g. Preobrazhensky referred to the struggle between
the "market principle" and the "law of primitive socialist accumulation".
The point that I would make is that a movement _towards_ socialism
_requires_ struggle.  It will not happen of its own accord.  Socialism
should not be conceived of as a state of "harmony".  I am sceptical of
the claim, indeed, that there will be "harmony" even under communism. I
suspect that some visions of communism represent romantic and wistful
thinking.

In solidarity, Jerry

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