THE MORALITY OF CAPITALISM

     Most people think of morality as altruistic, man is his brother’s
keeper, from each according to his ability to each according to his
need. It follows that if we are to have a moral society, we should
adopt a moral socio/economic system. – Socialism or even communism.

     If altruism leads to socialism, then the question is WHAT MORAL
CODE LED TO CAPITALISM?

     The ancient Greeks developed philosophy, science and mathematics.
Aristotle taught that our natural world is real and physical, that our
senses could identify the facts of reality. He defined human beings
as rational animals, emphasizing reason as a characteristic of human
nature. He defined the rules of logic – A is A, non-contradiction.
He taught that a well lived life, a happy life, requires living according
to reason. He taught that rationality is an activity distinctive to human
beings and that its exercise is the supreme good. He considered
morality a practical discipline and it was the responsibility of each
individual. He defended individualism and the institution of private
property.

     It’s the Muslim world that preserved the works of the Ancient Greeks
through our Dark Ages. Thomas Aquinas reintroduced the works of
Aristotle to The West. What followed was a Renaissance (the rebirth
of reason), the Age of Science, the Age of Reason and finally The
Enlightenment.

     By the eighteenth century Enlightenment man had become, well,
enlightened. He had discovered that he could understand reality and
what it can be made to do. He knew he could be responsible for his
own life. He relied on reason, not superstition. Since he could take care
of himself, he said to kings and queens, “What do I need you for?” He
wanted to be free, free of despots. And Capitalism was born – born of
reason and man’s desire to be free – free to think and do and pursue
his happiness.

NOTE: There are many defenders of capitalism on practical grounds
and it’s important to do so, but if we don’t defend it on Aristotelian
moral grounds as well, we will lose.

https://youtu.be/DvNzi7tmkx0