"Why Do Intellectuals Oppose Capitalism?"

[YYZ]

I love StumbleUpon. It is the greatest stress relief I can get in the shortest amount of time.

I found this earlier today, and finally found time to read the thing. It's fairly interesting. And I do know that the "Intellectuals" written about in this essay do not portray the intellectuals that frequent this forum.

"Why Do Intellectuals Oppose Capitalism?"

[Thales]

I think it's completely wrong. The essential reason why so many intellectuals are so anti-capitalist is because they are altruists and anti-reason. In an environment where Immanuel Kant's philosophical premises are dominant, the worst kind of intellectuals rise to prominence, so we have anti-capitalists in the majority on University campuses. When Ayn Rand's philosophy rises to prominence a better kind of intellectual will dominate universities.

In fact, at the time of the Founding Fathers intellectuals were better and much more real world oriented and pro-life on earth. At the time of the ancient Greeks there were better intellectuals and that was reflected by the culture around them.

This whole idea regarding intellectuals and "popularity" is way off mark. Smarter people usually do better in the area they are smart in. Some people are more able socially, others more able mathematically, some both. An intellectual who can weave together an amusing story is more likely to become popular than is your average Joe, all else being equal.

Furthermore, when intellectuals are in harmony with freedom and capitalism, I think they will be more popular among the populace, because the populace will be in sync with them, and they will be appreciated for the huge benefits they bring to society. Today intellectuals are largely destroyers of life and freedom. They are making our lives much more difficult in almost every way. They are the reason we don't have as many life saving drugs, they are the reason our property is confiscated by the Federal Government, (see Kilo case), they are the reason cars aren't safer and faster, they are the reason power isn't cheaper and more accessible, etc.

[AllMenAreIslands]

A person isn't born being altruist. Why do they embrace the ideas of altruism in the first place? I think it's a product of resentment, which in turn is a product of jealousy & envy of those who are able to produce goods, to invent, discover or just think up new ways of doing things or of using what has been produced by others.

[adrock3215]

As usual Bob Nozick is concrete-bound, and does not recognize the full role of ideas in human life. His explanations are terribly boring. The reason intellectuals oppose Capitalism is primarily because they are morally altruistic.

[YYZ]

I don't really believe in true altruism... You would have to benefit somehow for any action you undertake. No one is going to take a political stance that will only hurt themselves on purpose. Most of the "wordsmiths" make quite a lot less than the number oriented workers. It would benefit the non-number people to be in a socialist society (as long as there are people in that society that make more, of course) more than the rest.

Also, what causes there resentment to society? Is it socialized as the essay suggests? Or is it innate? I don't believe it's innate.

I've witnessed some common trends between his hypothesis and the thought patterns of some "intellectuals" in society.

[aeinste1n]

As usual Bob Nozick is concrete-bound, and does not recognize the full role of ideas in human life. His explanations are terribly boring. The reason intellectuals oppose Capitalism is primarily because they are morally altruistic.

Yes, but the question is why are they altruistic. In their studies wouldn't they see that reason would favor an objectivist stance?

Intellectuals are mainly altruist because that morality has been taught to them in most of the higher coastal schools, and they spread it around the country. These schools have been heavily influenced by european ideals and for that reason a more socialist european code of ethics is taught.

Another reason is that most intellectuals view capitalism as irrational is because it is favored by the right. The political right (i.e. most republicans) are supportive of a more free market system, and they defend it quite irrationally. Quite frankly, anything that is defended by arguements like "we've always done it" or "God said to" seems inncorrect. This is why many intellectuals distance themselves from anything they see as mainstream or inferior.

This intellectual trend is spreading, and actually quite dangerous. Intellectuals and "wordsmiths" shape the ideas of a society. The ramifications are evident in this recent election.