Capitalism--its Nature and its Replacement: Buddhist and Marxist Insights

271 Pages·2021·2.084 MB·English

by  Graham Priest

i
“Although there have been a number of attempts recently to combine Bud-
dhism and Marxism, this is the first full length systematic demonstration of
how these two perspectives are complementary and can mutually supplement
each other to guide the political praxis that would create a more humane
world. The author skilfully inserts elements of anarchism in order to challenge
the top-down political thinking that has all too often infected Marxism and
presents a powerful argument for the necessity of building a bottom-up rev-
olutionary movement that would pre-figure a post-capitalist society. Overall,
the author draws on an impressive range of philosophical, psychological, and
political resources to show how effective social political action requires a fun-
damental shift in our way of seeing and of being in the world.”
Karsten J. Struhl, New School for Public
Engagement, New York, USA

iii
—
CAPITALISM ITS NATURE
AND ITS REPLACEMENT
In this third decade of the 21st century, deep problems plague our world. Many people lack
adequate nutrition, health care, and education because—while there is enough wealth for
everyone to meet these basic needs—most of it is tightly controlled by precious few.
Global warming causes droughts, floods, rising sea levels, and soon the forced migrations of
millions of people. In this book, philosopher Graham Priest explains why we find
ourselves in this situation, defines the nature of the problems we face, and explains how
we might solve and move beyond our current state. The first part of this book draws on
Buddhist philosophy, Marx’ analysis of capitalism, and their complementary role in
explaining our present crisis and the events that led us here. In the second part of the
book, Priest turns to the much harder question of how one might go about creating a
more rational and humane world. Here, he draws again on Buddhist and Marxist ideas as
well as some key aspects of anarchist thought. His discussion of the need for bottom-up
control of production, power, ideology, and an emerging awareness of our interdependence
is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of the planet and our latent capacity
to care for each other.
Key Features
 Explains the necessary elements of Marxist, Buddhist, and anarchist thought—no
background knowledge of political theory or Buddhism is necessary

Shows how Buddhist and Marxist notions of persons are complementary
 Convincingly shows capitalism’s role in creating current socio-economic problems

Provides an analysis of the corrosiveness of top-down power structures and why
they should be eliminated in a post-capitalist state
 Discusses capitalism’s role in war, environmental degradation, and race and gender-
based oppression.
Graham Priest is Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the City University of New
York Graduate Center. His books include In Contradiction (1987, 2006), Beyond the
Limits of Thought (1995, 2002), Introduction to Non-classical Logic (2001, 2008), Towards
Non-being (2005, 2016), Doubt Truth to Be a Liar (2006), One (2014), and The Fifth
Corner of Four (2018).

v
—
CAPITALISM ITS
NATURE AND ITS
REPLACEMENT
Buddhist and Marxist
Insights
Graham Priest
First published 2022
by Routledge
605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158
and by Routledge
2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business
© 2022 Graham Priest
The right of Graham Priest to be identified as author of this work has
been asserted by him in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced
or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means,
now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and
recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without
permission in writing from the publishers.
Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or
registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and
explanation without intent to infringe.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
A catalog record for this book has been requested
ISBN: 978-1-032-04911-3 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-032-04910-6 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-003-19514-6 (ebk)
DOI: 10.4324/9781003195146
Typeset in Bembo
by Apex CoVantage, LLC
vii
In solidarity with all those who strive genuinely to
make the world a better place for all

ix
CONTENTS
Prologue xv
PART I
Right View 1
1 Prolegomenon to Part I 3
1.1 Introduction 3
1.2 Buddhist and Marxist Philosophies 4
1.3 Nota Bene 6
1.4 The Structure of Part I 6
1.5 Conclusion 7
2 Some Elements of Buddhist Philosophy 8
2.1 Introduction 8
2.2 The Four Noble Truths 9
2.2.1 First Noble Truth: Duhkha 9
˙
2.2.2 The Second Noble Truth: Trsna 10
˙˙
2.2.3 The Third and Fourth Noble Truths 11
2.2.3.1 Right View 12
2.2.3.2 Right Action 12
2.2.3.3 Mindfulness and Concentration 14
2.2.4 The Zeroth Noble Truth 17
2.3 Compassion and Other Virtues 19
2.3.1 Compassion 19
2.3.2 Interlude: Social Atomism (for the First Time) 21
2.3.3 Back to Compassion 22