What is capitalism? Several essays on the topic of the term

Very often we use words, the meaning of which is not entirely clear to us. For example, what is capitalism, is perfectly known to historians or, say, political scientists, but not all people without exception. Therefore, in this article, let's try to understand this concept, learn something about its origin, as well as about the characteristics and impact on society.

On the meaning of this term

Capitalism is a socio-economic system that was formed in Europe (and then in the whole world) after the fall of the feudal system. It is based on the acquisition and augmentation of private property, as well as on complete freedom and equality in jurisdiction and trade. It is worth noting that this system, in addition to having an impact on the society and economy of any country, is also a powerful political structure. It is believed that capitalism is based on the principles of liberalism. The latter, in turn, involves unimpeded trade, the possibility of private entrepreneurship and complete freedom of action.

What is capitalism in history?

Among the capitalists who lived in the past centuries, it is worth highlighting Kant, Hobbes, Montesquieu, Weber and Locke. It was under the slogans and scientific works of these people that this current was born in its primordial form. Protestant ethics, diligence, which should have been inherent in everyone, are the principles on which capitalism was to be built. The definition of this issue was detailed by A. Smith in his famous work "An Investigation of the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations". It says that, only being industrious, thrifty and enterprising, you can succeed. However, this becomes possible with full economic freedom. The British and French bourgeois revolutions can not be overlooked either . They were the turning points in history, which forced the whole of Europe to change its political system.

What is capitalism in our days?

Every modern person, the word "capitalism" is primarily associated with private enterprises, a market economy, free competition, equality in opportunities. Almost the whole world at the moment is built precisely on this economic scheme. However, in each country, private property and capital are acquired in various ways that are provided for or not provided for by laws. Therefore, the features of capitalism in a particular state depend on the economic apparatus, on the Constitution, and, importantly, on the mentality. Somewhere, all citizens are given the opportunity to "rise", to become a rich man. There would be a desire. People without problems can issue a loan in the bank and invest their funds in the case. In Russia, there are no such phenomena - here either pan, or disappeared.

How this system works

To understand what capitalism is, one can proceed from the principles of the said socio-economic system. Its functioning consists in the acquisition of capital by separate elements of society. As a result, the social structure is divided into the ruling elite (wealthy people) and all others. Such a system was formed over several centuries, experienced crises, rises, wars and a change in state regimes in various countries. In the course of all these events it also became clear that "purely liberal" dogmas for capitalism are not effective. The state and private entrepreneurs can not completely isolate themselves from each other and coexist while in peace and harmony. Such a scheme of actions presupposes the development of further, more serious problems that can destroy both power and capitalism itself.