Abstract
In this chapter two theories of capitalism are confronted. The first claims that private ownership of the means of production is the basic institution of capitalism and that the two opposing classes — capitalists and workers — must be defined on the ground of the distinction between ownership and propertylessness. This theory will be called the ‘S-theory’ since, although it predominates in Marx’s and orthodox Marxist thought, it originated with Adam Smith.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Marx K. (1969) Theories of Surplus Value, 3 vols (London: Lawrence & Wishart).
Marx K. (1975) Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts, in Marx and Engels Collected Works. vol. III (London: Lawrence & Wishart).
Marx K. (1977) Capital, 3 vols (London: Lawrence & Wishart).
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 1998 Palgrave Macmillan, a division of Macmillan Publishers Limited
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Screpanti, E. (1998). Towards a General Theory of Capitalism: Suggestions from Chapters 23 and 27. In: Bellofiore, R. (eds) Marxian Economics: A Reappraisal. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-26118-5_7
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-26118-5_7
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-26120-8
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-26118-5
eBook Packages: Palgrave Economics & Finance CollectionEconomics and Finance (R0)