If we consider capitalism as philosophical framework, which is what I think it is, the answer is "yes", as long as the philosopher agrees with the tenets of capitalism.
But is this the right question? Maybe we should ask, if humanity can be a happy capitalist.
I agree that the flourishing of humanity writ large is the ultimate issue. But within that question is the ongoing challenge for philosophers, teachers, and artists whose work serves that goal to find an economically sustainable way to use those talents for the greater good.
In today's world, where we all have to be a capitalist to live, there shouldn't be a conflict between being a philosopher and a capitalist. In that context, we all have to value our work and capialize on our capabilities.
It's also valuable work to think of other ways of living. My expectation of a "capitalist philosopher" is that they are ethical capitalist, regarless if I agree with their ethical framework, and that they contribute to creating enriching human realities.
I'd love to hear more about this. And perhaps Greg will chime in when he gets a chance. I have my own thoughts about how complicit we must be in externalities and other systemic sources of inequity. But perhaps you have something else in mind, Jason?
Maybe. On the other hand, capitalism is an ideology, we create it, so we can make of capitalism whatever we want. I wrote a post about this topic just a few weeks ago. Maybe giving it a read can clarify a bit what I mean about the idea of an "ethical capitalist". I'd love to hear your thoughts:
Well, my many years of doctoral specialization in ethics and phenomenology have served me well as a capitalist....
As has been said elsewhere, PhDs are so used to being around other PhDs that they forget how rare and extreme their typical skillset is (unless they're one of those hyper-specialists we all make fun of).
So nice to hear from you, Ted! I remember you telling me once how hard it was to get mother nature to give up her secrets. I was thinking of you today for other reasons while describing our medicine course. Glad this conversation resonated.
Can a philosopher be a happy capitalist?
If we consider capitalism as philosophical framework, which is what I think it is, the answer is "yes", as long as the philosopher agrees with the tenets of capitalism.
But is this the right question? Maybe we should ask, if humanity can be a happy capitalist.
I agree that the flourishing of humanity writ large is the ultimate issue. But within that question is the ongoing challenge for philosophers, teachers, and artists whose work serves that goal to find an economically sustainable way to use those talents for the greater good.
In today's world, where we all have to be a capitalist to live, there shouldn't be a conflict between being a philosopher and a capitalist. In that context, we all have to value our work and capialize on our capabilities.
It's also valuable work to think of other ways of living. My expectation of a "capitalist philosopher" is that they are ethical capitalist, regarless if I agree with their ethical framework, and that they contribute to creating enriching human realities.
I'm not convinced that one can be an "ethical capitalist" per what "capitalism" entails, especially in the modern economy.
I'd love to hear more about this. And perhaps Greg will chime in when he gets a chance. I have my own thoughts about how complicit we must be in externalities and other systemic sources of inequity. But perhaps you have something else in mind, Jason?
Maybe. On the other hand, capitalism is an ideology, we create it, so we can make of capitalism whatever we want. I wrote a post about this topic just a few weeks ago. Maybe giving it a read can clarify a bit what I mean about the idea of an "ethical capitalist". I'd love to hear your thoughts:
https://writerbytechnicality.substack.com/p/everything-but-the-economy-stupid?r=3anz55
Well, my many years of doctoral specialization in ethics and phenomenology have served me well as a capitalist....
As has been said elsewhere, PhDs are so used to being around other PhDs that they forget how rare and extreme their typical skillset is (unless they're one of those hyper-specialists we all make fun of).
Thanks, Jason. I'm still hoping to share your story as part of this series!
Let's wait a few months, because then the story will be ready.
This was a very interesting and informative exchange for me. In biology (the old fashioned kind) mother nature is the final arbiter.
So nice to hear from you, Ted! I remember you telling me once how hard it was to get mother nature to give up her secrets. I was thinking of you today for other reasons while describing our medicine course. Glad this conversation resonated.