The Divine Right of Capital: An In-Depth Exploration of the Doctrine That Gives Corporations Unchecked Power

The divine right of capital is a doctrine that holds that corporations have a natural right to make profits, regardless of the social or environmental consequences. This doctrine is based on the idea that corporations are independent entities, separate from the individuals who own and manage them. As such, they are not subject to the same moral or legal constraints as individuals.

The divine right of capital has been used to justify a wide range of corporate abuses, from environmental pollution to financial fraud. In recent years, it has been used to justify the increasing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few corporations.

The Divine Right of Capital: Dethroning the Corporate Aristocracy

by Marjorie Kelly

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2911 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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The divine right of capital is a dangerous doctrine that has no place in a democratic society. It allows corporations to operate with impunity, and it undermines the ability of citizens to hold them accountable for their actions.

The Origins of the Divine Right of Capital

The divine right of capital can be traced back to the early days of capitalism. In the 16th and 17th centuries, a new class of merchants and traders emerged who began to accumulate great wealth. These merchants argued that they had a natural right to make profits, and that the government should not interfere with their activities.

The divine right of capital was enshrined in the writings of the English philosopher John Locke. In his book Two Treatises of Government, Locke argued that individuals have a natural right to property. He also argued that the government's only legitimate role is to protect individual rights, including the right to property.

Locke's ideas had a profound influence on the development of capitalism in the United States. The Founding Fathers of the United States were great admirers of Locke, and they incorporated his ideas into the Constitution. The Constitution protects the right to property, and it limits the government's ability to regulate business.

The Consequences of the Divine Right of Capital

The divine right of capital has had a number of negative consequences for society. First, it has led to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few corporations. This concentration of power has given corporations the ability to influence government policy and to evade regulation.

Second, the divine right of capital has led to a decline in the quality of life for many people. Corporations have been given the right to pollute the environment, to exploit workers, and to sell dangerous products. This has led to a decline in public health, safety, and well-being.

Third, the divine right of capital has undermined democracy. Corporations have been able to use their wealth and power to influence elections, to lobby for favorable legislation, and to suppress dissent. This has made it difficult for citizens to hold corporations accountable for their actions.

The Case Against the Divine Right of Capital

There are a number of arguments against the divine right of capital. First, it is based on a false premise. Corporations are not independent entities, separate from the individuals who own and manage them. They are created by individuals, and they are owned and controlled by individuals. As such, they are subject to the same moral and legal constraints as individuals.

Second, the divine right of capital is harmful to society. It leads to the concentration of wealth and power, the decline in the quality of life, and the undermining of democracy. It is a doctrine that has no place in a democratic society.

The Way Forward

The divine right of capital is a dangerous doctrine that has no place in a democratic society. It is time to reject this doctrine and to demand that corporations be held accountable for their actions.

There are a number of things that can be done to challenge the divine right of capital. First, we can support public policies that promote economic democracy. These policies include measures to increase worker ownership of businesses, to promote cooperatives, and to regulate corporations.

Second, we can support civil society organizations that are working to challenge corporate power. These organizations are working to expose corporate abuses, to promote worker rights, and to protect the environment.

Third, we can educate ourselves about the divine right of capital and its consequences. We need to understand how this doctrine has been used to justify corporate abuses and to undermine democracy.

The divine right of capital is a challenge to democracy, but it is not insurmountable. By supporting public policies that promote economic democracy, by supporting civil society organizations that are working to challenge corporate power, and by educating ourselves about the divine right of capital, we can create a more just and equitable society.

The Divine Right of Capital: Dethroning the Corporate Aristocracy

by Marjorie Kelly

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2911 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	290 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE