Date of Award

2016

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Thesis

Department

Philosophy

First Advisor

Harry van der Linden

Abstract

This work explores the disastrous effects of the modern capitalist system and how it creates, as well as perpetuates, the negative impacts of a vastly unequal system. Beginning with how inequality manifests itself and why we should care, this work analyzes the damages, dangers, and destruction of economic inequality. These insights help to reveal two key aspects of the failing capitalist system: the lie of real political democracy and the lack of economic democracy. At the root cause of these issues is an unstable capitalism that cannot simply be quelled by taxation, regulation, and reconfiguration. Instead, I contend that what is needed is a revamping of current system—a movement towards an economic democracy, wherein the ideals of democratic participation and equality are central to both our political and economic lives.

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