Abstract: This chapter explores the nature and character of radical politics today, by drawing out one central and overriding trend: the lack of a radical humanism. In one important sense the current economic crisis is different to any other that has erupted since the beginning of capitalism. In contrast to the past there is little in the way of any fundamental critiques or alternatives to the system. The predominant response has been to perceive the current crisis as if it was brought on by an act of nature. Most of the criticism takes the form of superficial denunciation of individual greed, financial manipulation and of obsessive consumption. Instead of a socio-economic interrogation of the system critics have attacked the psychology of selfishness. Anyone perusing the radical press would assume that if it was not for greedy bankers, excessive executive bonuses and the reckless manipulation of financial instruments then everything would be all right. Worse still some so-called anti-capitalist commentators have actually welcomed the recession on the grounds that it will force people to cut down on their consumption and presumably live a more wholesome life. Some environmentalists have expressed the hope that today's turbulent global economy will be hospitable to a green agenda and that capitalism could be open to becoming recognised on a more 'sustainable' basis.KeywordsPrecautionary PrinciplePublic LifeIndividual AutonomyCurrent CrisisCorporate BrandThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
Publication Year: 2009
Publication Date: 2009-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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