Tristan Ewins, the publisher of this blog, has just self-published a critical review of Eric Aarons' book 'Hayek versus Marx - and today's challenges'. The essay is very long - but the topic matter is very substantial and varied - so warrants it I think. I'm hoping to attract readers and debate with this article - so looking forward to hearing from you. The introduction - and a link to the full article (at a separate page) are below...
"Hayek versus Marx" is the culmination of over a decade of study - and a lifetime of practical experience. Eric Aarons - the former National Secretary of the Communist Party of Australia - and the author of several important books - has taken upon himself an imposing task. This task is that of interrogating the work of Hayek and Marx rigorously and open-mindedly: taking from each, exposing each to searching criticism, and ultimately urging a new social, economic and political paradigm.
Considering in depth the life's work of both these giants of social theory, Aarons urges what is ultimately a synthesis of socialism and economic liberalism. While recognising the necessity of markets and competition; the author is also insistent of the indispensability of co-operation, the struggle against alienation, and the fight for economic empowerment and social justice.
Firstly, we will summarise Aarons' account of Hayek. From there we will consider his account of Marx. Thereafter we will consider both the ideas of Marx and Hayek in further depth, and in light of Aarons' own ideas and criticisms.
In the process, we will consider such themes as economic democracy, alienation, markets and planning, and the 'clash' of free markets and nature.
To conclude we will consider the consequences of Aarons's analysis and conclusions for a Left that has been grappling with its very identity, and its core values since the collapse of "really-existing socialism".
Again: For the rest of this article see: