[OPE-L:1310] Political economy of socialism

From: Jurriaan Bendien (djjb99@worldonline.nl)
Date: Tue Sep 21 1999 - 16:33:43 EDT


Dear all,

Before my PC dies on me, I would like to advance 5 simple theses, on which
I would appreciate any comment you may have. I would like your comment both
as an objectivity check and because I am increasingly thinking about the
subject area. The argument goes roughly as follows:

1. It's a law of human psychology that you cannot achieve a goal unless
you can clearly specify what it is.
2. If socialism is conceived as an achievable goal (not just a movement),
it must be clearly specified so we can plot the steps towards it.
3. Socialism as a goal has not been clearly specified either at the
national or international level so far by Marxists internationally so far,
despite some brilliant attempts by individuals.
4. Because socialism as goal has not been clearly specified, (a) it has
been unclear what the realistic/feasible alternative to capitalism is, (b)
socialism simply cannot be achieved yet.
5. The critique of capitalism is inadequate unless socialists can specify
what the socialist alternative concretely would amount to.

I look forward to any short comment you may have.

In solidarity

Jurriaan



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