Utopian Capitalism (History of Market Concepts)

Author: [French] Pierre Rosanvallon, translated by Yang Zuguang, Xiao Bin, Yang Qi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: This book discusses perspectives on market concepts, market economies, and market societies, with a focus on commenting on recent debates surrounding neoliberalism. Pierre Rosanvallon is a French National Doctorate holder, a renowned scholar, and a full-time professor at the Collège de France. He is an expert in researching and teaching modern political history, particularly the history of democracy. Currently, there are differing views on market economies and neoliberalism both abroad and domestically, and the debates surrounding these issues seem to be gaining momentum. This book presents his main viewpoints and related discussions. The market concept that emerged in the 18th century is not merely an economic regulatory model; it also carries significant sociological and political implications. Market society envisions an automatically regulated civil society, where the comparison of interests is believed to lead to a "harmony" that cannot be achieved through politics or morality. Therefore, market society is in opposition to the concept of the social contract, which requires a voluntaristic organization of social relations. The concept of utopian capitalism originates from this. For two centuries, capitalism has been constructing an attempt and an illusion: replacing direct conflict between individuals and debate among citizens with anonymous, depersonalized procedures of governance.