Jerry:
>(2) We could begin by locating a particular topic (in this case, the world
>market) within the logical structure of capitalism and ask: (a) what
>aspects of the theory need greater specification before we can examine
>that subject? For instance, can we agree that the theorization of
>capitalist crises, the state, and international trade need further
>development for us to be able to extend the theory to the point where we
>are able to systematically examine the world market? Of course, depending
>on your interpretation of the adequacy of the theory, other subjects such
>as landed property and wage-labor might require further theorization as
>well.; (b) what are the specific aspects of the world market that need to
>be theorized? [I trust we can agree that explanations given by general
>equilibrium theory are not sufficicient for understanding world markets].
>
Paul C:
I would suggest that a starting point should be an assesment of the Ricardian
theory of international trade.
I think that in terms of method it is important to approach the question
first from the standpoint of a labour value analysis before we introduce
the complications associated with international capital movements and
second order effects like different rates of profit in different countries.
Paul Cockshott (wpc@cs.strath.ac.uk)