The entropy of capitalism / by Robert Biel.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Biel, Robert, 1945-

Series:

Studies in critical social sciences ; v. 39.

Studies in critical social sciences

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Capitalism.

Marxian economics.

Physical Description:

vii, 391 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm.

Place of Publication:

Leiden ; Boston : Brill, 2012.

Summary:

The project of applying general systems theory to social sciences is crucial in today's crisis when social and ecological systems clash. This book concretely demonstrates the necessity of a Marxist approach to this challenge, notably in asserting agency (struggle) as against determinism. It similarly shows how Marxism can be reinvigorated from a systems perspective. Drawing on his experience in both international systems and low-input agriculture, Biel explores the interaction of social and physical systems, using the conceptual tools of thermodynamics and information. He reveals the early twenty-first century as a period when capitalism starts parasitising on the chaos it itself creates, notably in the link between the two sides of imperialism: militarism (the 'war on terror') and speculative finance capital.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

ISBN:

9789004204300

900420430X

OCLC:

748349556