In his latest monumental book, Thomas Piketty continues his reflection on social inequalities on a global scale, trying to show, contrary to popular belief, that they are not natural but are generated by “conservative ideologies and discourses”. According to him, the legitimacy of these inequalities throughout history is based on simulacra of objectification. He denounces in particular the “proprietary ideology” based on the right of ownership inherited from the French Revolution, which is supposed to guarantee the stability of institutions and avoid “generalized chaos”. He perceives in individual property a “particular form of social domination”. He formulates proposals aimed at eradicating the concentration of wealth and promoting “the circulation of capital”: confiscatory tax on capital of up to 90% of income; universal endowment of capital to each citizen… Opening up a 3rd way between capitalism and collectivism, he finally advocates a development of co-management of companies between shareholders and employees.
Thomas Piketty’s previous book (“Capital in the 21st Century”) had been criticized by economists for its methods and sometimes questionable statistical sources. This latest book meets the skepticism of political economists for its sometimes questionable scientific ethics, because the author “is careful not to measure the economic and social consequences of “going beyond private property”.
The book raises various questions about the reasons for its success. Is it a provocation to neo-liberal economists? Does it call for the advent of a new crypto-collectivist system? Is it trying to launch a new movement of “French theory” on American campuses? Is it a new encyclopedic curiosity?
review by J-J.Pluchart
