Overview

Liberal, democratic capitalism as the end of history? Not necessarily. This work argues that there are forces developing in the world that might constitute a ""counterproject"" to the project of globalizing capitalism. At present, however, this movement lacks a coherent vision of a viable, desirable alternative. This text attempts to fill this lacuna by articulating, as a successor-system to capitalism, a model of ""economic democracy"", an economic system that preserves the efficiency strengths of a market economy, while extending democracy to the workplace and to the structures of investment finance. This model, which derives from both theoretical and empirical research, is shown to be efficient, dynamic and superior to capitalism among a range of values. The model allows us to see how the interconnected problems of global poverty and environmental degradation might be fruitfully addressed. It seeks to make sense of the vast number of large-scale economic ""experiments"" that have taken place in the past century, and is suggestive of a reform agenda that can and must be purchased in order to make a successful transition from capitalism to something much better.

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After Capitalism makes the clearest case I have seen that capitalism leads nowhere but to moral, social, and environmental catastrophe. Yet it inspires hope by describing a realistic and sensible way to put our productive lives in our own hands instead of at the service of capital accumulation. Schweickart's accessible book will enlighten students and political activists about how the world works while opening new paths for its transformation.--Clayton Morgareidge

Only the most fanatical adherents of the 'free market' orthodoxy will now say that 'there is no alternative.' After Capitalism is extremely clear and free of technical jargon so that it should be readily accessible to any reader. The book seems to me to be the best celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Communist Manifesto. -- Richard Schmitt, professor emeritus of philosophy, Brown University Many book-cover blurbs urge that no one interested in its field can afford to ignore the pages within: here, for once, there would be no element of exaggeration. This book provides a clear and persuasive argument for why practically no one should resign themselves to the evils of capitalism. Philosophy in Review At a time when American-style capitalism appears to be unassailable, this very readable book is a timely reminder that there really is an alternative. After Capitalism is full of hope but, importantly, also full of reason. Schweickart's concept of Economic Democracy provides a compelling vision for everyone distressed by the enormous waste of human potential that characterizes capitalism as we know it. -- Thomas E. Weisskopf, professor of economics, University of Michigan This brilliant and elegant tour de force makes a clear and compelling case for economic democracy and confirms David Schweickart as the leader in the field. -- Thomas Sheehan, professor of religious studies, Stanford University A fresh take on a familiar argument. Future Survey David Schweickart uniquely joins a devastating critique of capitalism with a practical program for a democratic alternative, making After Capitalism a worthy successor to the work of Karl Marx. No one interested in implementing an alternative to capitalism can afford to ignore this landmark work. -- John F. Manley, professor emeritus of political science, Stanford University After Capitalism makes the clearest case I have seen that capitalism leads nowhere but to moral, social, and environmental catastrophe. Yet it inspires hope by describing a realistic and sensible way to put our productive lives in our own hands instead of at the service of capital accumulation. Schweickart's accessible book will enlighten students and political activists about how the world works while opening new paths for its transformation. -- Clayton Morgareidge, professor emeritus of philosophy, Lewis & Clark College If a well-read non-socialist leftist were to ask me for the best current book on socialism, I'd recommend After Capitalism. Science and Society

Author Information

David Schweickart has been a professor of Philosophy at the Loyola University of Chicago since 1992. His previous books include Market Socialism: The Debate Among Socialists, Against Capitalism and Capitalism or Worker Control? An Ethical Economic Appraisal.

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