A POSTCAPITALIST PARADIGM: THE COMMON GOOD OF ...

2. Counter Dynamics
To realise the Common Good of Humanity, we need to stop the Common
Bad. That means that we have to put a stop to the dynamic de -
scribed above and reinstall another, new dynamic. Such a new dynamic
or logic is in some way a reflection and antitype of the old one.
Buen vivir
The most fundamental task is to restore the hierarchy of the spheres.
In this respect Aristotle is very useful, but one has to notice that nature
and environment were not present in his view. So we have to add this
vital dimension. With this indigenous traditions (Pacha Mama) can be
very helpful. The good life (eudamonia) has to be completed with respect
for nature [The first of the new paradigms]. I think this combination
comes close to the meaning of the concept buen vivir. [50]
In the first place the economic sphere has to be submitted to the political.
The allocation of capital and distribution of economic surplus, trade and
finance, etc. must be subordinated to the priorities and needs of the community
of the present and future generations. That implies that the economy
must be regulated within a democratic framework of citizen-based
social accountability. 45 In the second place both economic activities as the
political decision making have to be thoroughly permeated by values like
tenderness and carefulness(towards men and nature), equality, solidarity,
cooperation, responsibility, altruism, respect, dignity... 46
The October Revolution (1917) and the Chinese Revolution (1949) were
the first to break with the capitalist system and logic. Both societies
changed the capitalist hierarchy of spheres. In the Soviet Union – and
later in the Eastern bloc – the economic sphere was again submitted to
the political sphere, i.e. the communist party. But for various reasons
the sphere of the ideas and ideals was gradually neglected, alienating
the population from the political line. There was a gap between the leadership
and the people and the system finally collapsed.
45 Dierckxsens W., op. cit., p. 140.
46 Mészáros I., The Structural Crisis of Capital, New York 2010, p. 162-3.
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