ECU Libraries Catalog

Why not capitalism? / by Jason Brennan.

Author/creator Brennan, Jason, 1979-
Format Book and Print
Publication Info New York ; London : Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2014.
Description114 pages ; 21 cm
Subject(s)
Abstract "Most economists believe capitalism is a compromise with selfish human nature. As Adam Smith put it, "It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest." Capitalism works better than socialism, according to this thinking, only because we are not kind and generous enough to make socialism work. If we were saints, we would be socialists. In Why Not Capitalism?, Jason Brennan attacks this widely held belief, arguing that capitalism would remain the best system even if we were morally perfect. Even in an ideal world, private property and free markets would be the best way to promote mutual cooperation, social justice, harmony, and prosperity. Socialists seek to capture the moral high ground by showing that ideal socialism is morally superior to realistic capitalism. But, Brennan responds, ideal capitalism is superior to ideal socialism, and so capitalism beats socialism at every level.Clearly, engagingly, and at times provocatively written, Why Not Capitalism? will cause readers of all political persuasions to re-evaluate where they stand vis-à-vis economic priorities and systems--as they exist now and as they might be improved in the future."-- Provided by publisher.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (pages 107-110) and index.
LCCN 2013040883
ISBN9780415732963 (hardback)
ISBN0415732964 (hardback)
ISBN9780415732970 (pbk)
ISBN0415732972 (pbk)
Standard identifier# 40023929751

Available Items

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Joyner General Stacks HB501 .B7456 2014 ✔ Available Place Hold