An Introduction to Capitalism,
with George Caffentzis
and Alex Knight
This introductory session proceeds from the question: What is
Capitalism? A rational economic model? A global system of abuse? A
historically grounded, astoundingly massive mistake? George and Alex
will explore this question from numerous angles as we aim to develop a
common foundation for subsequent classes.
Ask yourself, What is Capitalism? and come to Lava Space on February 1
to share your thoughts and participate in the inauguration of Occupy
Philly's Dissecting Capitalism series!
George Caffentzis
is a cofounder
of the Midnight Notes Collective and the Committee for Academic Freedom
in Africa. He has written many essays and books on capitalism including
"No Blood for Oil!" and an e-book available for free download at www.radicalpolytics.org. He is currently
involved with a campaign against student loan debt (for details, go to www.occupystudentdebtcampaign.org).
Alex Knight is the editor of endofcapitalism.com and is writing the
coincidentally named book "The End of Capitalism," in which
argues that the global capitalist system is breaking down due to
ecological and social limits to growth, and we are transitioning to a noncapitalist
future. Alex was active in the new Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) from 2006-2009, and
now spends most of his time organizing with the wonderful people of
Occupy Philadelphia.
* * *
The Dissecting Capitalism series provides an introduction to
capitalism, highlighting its historical, social, and political
constructs as well as its systemic, global impact. Each session will
feature speakers, open discussion, and for certain dates, short
readings designed to facilitate participatory debate, dialogue, and
popular education. We envision the series as forming a cohesive whole,
and encourage participants to attend all ten sessions, if possible. The
education series is free, as all education should be, but donations to
West Philly’s collectively run LAVA (Lancaster Avenue Autonomous Zone; www.lavazone.org; 4134
Lancaster Ave Philadelphia, PA 19104), which is generously letting us
use its space, are greatly appreciated.
The series' themes and dates include (details to come soon):
Wed, Feb 1 at 7 p.m.
Part 1: What is Capitalism?
with George Caffentzis
and Alex Knight
http://www.facebook.com/events/363895400302931/
Wed, Feb 8 at 7 p.m.
Part 2: Financial Crisis
Wed, Feb 15 at 7 p.m.
Part 3: The Historical Rise of Capitalism and Corporations
with Ariane
Fischer and Jerry Krantman
Week of Feb 21 (exact date to be determined)
Part 4: Work and Labor
Wed, Feb 29 at 7 p.m.
Part 5: Capitalism, Social Relations, and Power
Weds, March 7-April 4 at 7 p.m.
Parts 6-10
Upcoming sessions during this time will concentrate on the intersectionality
of capitalism and race, the body/gender, and ecological issues, along
with capitalism and the political process, and ending with conceptions
and dilemmas of prefiguring a world without capitalism.