Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Alario, C G

Titel

The state and capitalism: A theoretical reassessment

Ort / Verlag

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses

Erscheinungsjahr

1999

Link zum Volltext

• ProQuest

Quelle

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• This study examines the classic theories of Adam Smith, Max Weber and Joseph Schumpeter. By examining the principal works of these three thinkers, this study seeks to broaden contemporary development discussions of the state and capitalism beyond merely economic issues and the narrow yet important state versus market debate. It also seeks to provide a corrective to neoclassical-minimalist theories of the state. The common concern with the importance of the political determinants of capitalist development gives the three main chapters in this study a degree of analytical unity. For instance, rather than highlighting the role of the market or external economic forces in the analyses of Smith, Weber and Schumpeter, primary emphasis is given to their respective views about the nature and role of the state and its diverse and complex relationships with capitalist development. This study is organized in the following manner. The introductory Chapter reviews postwar development debate about the state and capitalism, and places this study in the broader context of this debate. Chapter One reconsiders Smith's account of the rise of capitalism and his political ideas, focusing primarily on his analysis of these subjects in his classic text, the Wealth of Nations. Chapter Two reexamines and discusses the various works of Weber, paying special attention to his historical and comparative account of the rise of capitalism in the West and the role played by the state in this epic event. Chapter Three is devoted to Schumpeter, reviewing in particular his unique interpretation and vision of the capitalist process and related political issues. The Conclusion builds on the summary comments of the main chapters and presents several detailed and pointed suggestions for improving contemporary discussions of the state in capitalist development.