Moderation and Revolution
By (author) Andrea Micocci
Not available to order
Publication date:
16 December 2011Length of book:
390 pagesPublisher
Lexington BooksISBN-13: 9780739167199
In the intellectuality of capitalism there are two alternative ways to conceive of reality: the moderate one, which mediates dialectically, and the revolutionary one, which also comprises ruptures with disappearance. The former conforms to, and helps shape, the metaphysics of capitalism itself. The second is akin to the mode of progressing of nature in general, and forms the basis for materialism. Moderate positions tend to be intolerant because they do not recognize the other, which is constantly compelled to mediate. Revolutionary positions instead, recognizing the other, are tolerant and intrinsically non-violent. In capitalism as we know it liberalism, Marxism and anarchism would potentially be revolutionary. But they have been transformed in moderate modes of thought, similar for instance to nationalism, communitarianism, Christian ideas, fascism, socialism. Thus capitalism has become an intolerant world that seems built to block, by means of mediations, its own historical evolution. The outcome is a fascistic economy and polity.
In this remorseless critique of modern ideologies, Andrea Micocci targets what he calls the metaphysics of capitalism informing them. Up-ending our normal assumptions, he argues that it is the true revolutionaries who champion individuality and toleration against the homogenizing tendencies of capitalism. This is a powerful challenge to the common sense of both the status quo and its conventional critics.