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A comment on Fairphone: Android phone that puts social values first. Parent comment

Re:Fairphone: Android phone that puts social values first by dnautics on Monday June 03, 2013 @03:27PM (#5815313)
The video has the hidden presumption that capitalism is a problem and then goes on to prove that capitalism is a problem. It's circular logic at its ugliest. So what if some charity gets associated with profit? No one is stopping you from giving charity for its own sake, unattached to the profit motive, AND there is a marginally increased amount of good being done in the world, AND there is a marginally increased amount of awareness of important issues.

What, exactly is the moral alternative that Zizek would have us live by if not trade? Marxism for example, which runs under the philosophy "from each according to their ability, to each according to their need" sounds great. But then, who decides what constitutes ability, and what constitutes need. And how can I make me and my friends that committee?

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Re:Fairphone: Android phone that puts social values first by skaevola on Monday June 03, 2013 @04:10PM (#5815607)
It's not circular logic. Zizek is operating from the assumption that capitalism is oppressive, and arguing that "socially responsible" capitalism is equally as problematic. This criticism is aimed at leftists who dislike capitalism, but feel like it's okay to engage in "socially responsible" capitalism. It's completely legitimate to disagree with that assumption, just keep in mind that is not the point he's trying to argue in this video.

He's also an unapologetic Marxist, so I suppose that'd be his alternative. You might start looking for answers to your questions in his books.

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Re:Fairphone: Android phone that puts social values first by dnautics on Monday June 03, 2013 @04:32PM (#5815786)
Fair enough. Given that I'm a libertarian that thinks that "social responsibility" is a personal virtue, I'm clearly not his audience, since I have some pretty serious quarrels with his starting assumptions.
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