From Capital to Commons: Exploring the Promise of a World beyond Capitalism

The growing counter-capitalist discourse highlights the two-sided nature of technology, which can both rely on and shape the material realm of raw materials, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Digital commons play a crucial role in this process, as they rely on and shape the physical world through technologies such as blockchain and 3D printing.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 19 July 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The growing counter-capitalist discourse is a fascinating and complex phenomenon that is gaining momentum worldwide. It challenges the dominant economic model and seeks to create a more equitable and sustainable society. This discourse encompasses a wide range of ideas and perspectives, from anarchist and socialist ideologies to eco-feminism and post-scarcity theories.

One of the key themes of the counter-capitalist discourse is the two-sided nature of technology. On the one hand, technology has the potential to empower individuals and create a more democratic and decentralized society. It can enable people to access information, communicate, and organize collectively, challenging the power of corporations and governments. On the other hand, technology can also be used to reinforce existing power structures and perpetuate inequality. For example, the digital divide has created a gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not, which can limit their opportunities and perpetuate social and economic inequality.

Another important aspect of the counter-capitalist discourse is the concept of the digital commons. The digital commons refers to the shared resources and infrastructure that are made available through the internet and other digital technologies. These resources include open-source software, digital content, and communication platforms. The digital commons is both reliant on and increasingly shaping the material realm of raw materials, infrastructure, and manufacturing. For example, open-source software is used to create a wide range of products and services, from software and hardware to medical devices and agricultural tools. The digital commons also enables collaboration and innovation, allowing people to work together to create new products and services that benefit society as a whole.

Despite the many benefits of the digital commons, there are also challenges and risks associated with it. One of the biggest challenges is the issue of intellectual property rights. While the digital commons is based on the principle of sharing and collaboration, there are concerns that intellectual property owners may try to restrict access to these resources or claim ownership over them. This can create barriers to innovation and limit the ability of individuals and organizations to create new products and services.

Another challenge is the issue of surveillance and privacy. As more and more of our lives are conducted online, there are concerns about the amount of data that is being collected and how it is being used. There are also concerns about the potential for government surveillance and the use of technology to monitor and control individuals.

Despite these challenges, the digital commons is a powerful tool for creating a more equitable and sustainable society. It enables people to access resources and information that were once only available to a select few, and it promotes collaboration and innovation. However, it is important to ensure that the digital commons is managed and governed in a way that promotes transparency, accountability, and sustainability.

In conclusion, the growing counter-capitalist discourse is a fascinating and complex phenomenon that is gaining momentum worldwide. It challenges the dominant economic model and seeks to create a more equitable and sustainable society. The two-sided nature of technology, the digital commons, and the potential for technology to empower individuals and create a more democratic society are all important themes of this discourse. However, there are also challenges and risks associated with the digital commons, such as intellectual property rights, surveillance and privacy, and the need for sustainable management and governance. By working together to address these challenges and promote the benefits of the digital commons, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529224535