A. I talked about the theory and its practice. My criticism of the Marxist theory was that it punishes hard working and inventive people.
B. You just said we shouldn’t talk about it in practice but instead in theory. Also, slavery isn’t capitalism, capitalism as an ideology is defined by trade of capital and services. The problem with slavery is that legally speaking these people have been defined as property and thus open up an industry in which they can be bought and sold. You can have slavery in capitalism, slavery in anarchism, slavery in fascism, slavery in communism and slavery in socialism. It is not an inherently capitalist problem.
C. Democratic socialism means socialism through democracy. It is still the same or similar policy, as a fundamentally socialist government just the leader is elected through democracy. The philosophy I assume you’re looking for is social democracy which is a left-wing liberal ideology. Not to be mistaken with socialism as it has a moderate government on the moderate left.
D. Conservatives blame socialism for Venezuela’s downfall because it’s the socialist philosophy which makes it more applicable to corruption and dictatorship. This is simply because socialism is an authoritarian left-wing ideology, it gives government significant power over businesses, the economy and the people. I will admit the Venezuela rebuttal is a huge cliché, but that’s because it’s such pivotal evidence of socialist failure.
E. What do you mean “not a problem in a real world perspective”? This argument lacks any substance or validity. A lot of Australian policies are unimportant in a real-world perspective, but these problems are highly significant for Australian citizens. Plus, this macro policy serves as another case study for socialised industry.
F. Despite this being an obvious strawman tactic of diverting the blame. I actually do agree. Our economy is overall dependent on mineral trade with Asia and this puts all of us at high risk if we ever run out or slow down.
G. I disagree. I think cutting taxes in general rich and middle class works wonders for the economy. This is simply because government does not invest or spend money as well as individuals. If you think rich people aren’t being taxed enough what do you suggest would be a more appropriate amount? Currently income earners above $180,001 pay 45% for every dollar made above this threshold. This high tax cost disadvantages small business owners the most who can’t afford to simultaneously run their business and pay the higher tax rates. Thus, the taxes are counterintuitive to entrepreneurialship, consumers and in many cases jobs (as business move production overseas to better compete with the increasing tax costs.)
H. I was initially surprised by this, so I did a brief fact check and you are absolutely right. I think this is a complete waste of government expenditure. But unfortunately, this has nothing to do with capitalism, government funding schools is more of a socialised system and certainly not a free market one. So, I’m not particularly sure why you raised this.
I. I would suggest you don’t make assumptions of people’s intentions or biases in a debate. You don’t know anything about me. I was a socialist Christian when I first got into politics and philosophy, but I’ve looked at the literature and have changed my mind accordingly. But to be clear, what do you define as socialism? Fundamentally speaking it’s a big government ideology that supports a centrally planned or mixed economy.
J. Capitalism has improved people’s lives far more significantly. It’s improved medicine, technology, productivity and has helped hundreds of millions of people rise out of poverty. All of which would be slowed or non existent by socialism, because businesses would be less productive due to increased regulation and tax.
K. Yes, but it is how you win which makes it moral or not. The people who win in communist regimes are the people with political connections. The people who win in capitalism are the hardworking and smartest people, who can sell a product or service consumers want. Everyone wins, the maker and the buyer. Furthermore, Marxists intentions are irrelevant, I don’t think he was evil but he’s ideas have most certainly lead to the creation of evil things. There is more to communism than Marxist ideology.
L. The implementation of capitalism is very different. Capitalism does not follow a set of guidelines, unlike the communist manifesto. It has slowly been created through the trials and errors of individuals and civilisations.
M. I agree to a certain extent. I agree that this is very complex and nuanced. But ultimately, the debate question was “Is capitalism moral” and through debate we can at the very least determine if it’s more or less moral then communism.
N. “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” - Velyn Beatrice Hall