DeepSummary
The episode explores the idea of 'no ethical consumption under capitalism' and whether it is possible to act ethically through our consumption choices within the current capitalist system. It traces the origins of the phrase and examines different perspectives on conscious consumerism, from those who see it as a futile effort that only alleviates individual guilt, to those who believe it can be a gateway to deeper inquiry and alternative practices.
The episode looks at specific examples, such as the controversy around the 'Feminist Looks Like' t-shirt and the debates surrounding Hassan Piker's expensive purchases, to analyze the challenges and contradictions faced by those trying to reconcile their political beliefs with their consumer habits. It also explores philosophical frameworks like virtue ethics, deontology, and consequentialism to understand the moral implications of consumption decisions.
Ultimately, the episode suggests that while perfect ethical consumption may be impossible under capitalism, individuals can still strive to make choices that align with their values and support movements that challenge exploitative practices. It emphasizes the importance of collective action, empathy, and a willingness to continually question and learn in the pursuit of a more ethical society.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The phrase 'no ethical consumption under capitalism' is often misinterpreted as an excuse for indulgence, but its original intent was to acknowledge the limitations individuals face in making perfectly ethical choices within the constraints of capitalism.
- While perfect ethical consumption may be impossible, individuals can still strive to make choices that align with their values and support movements that challenge exploitative practices.
- Ethical consumption is not a binary concept, but rather a spectrum of choices that can serve as a gateway to deeper inquiry, alternative practices, and collective action towards systemic change.
- Different philosophical frameworks, such as virtue ethics, deontology, and consequentialism, offer varied perspectives on the moral implications of consumption decisions and what constitutes ethical behavior.
- Individuals' consumption choices are often scrutinized and criticized, particularly when they seem to contradict their stated political beliefs or moral stances, highlighting the complexities and contradictions inherent in navigating ethical consumption under capitalism.
- Collective action, empathy, and a willingness to continually question and learn are essential in the pursuit of a more ethical society, as individuals alone cannot bear the full responsibility of challenging deeply entrenched systems.
- While individual actions may seem futile in the face of systemic issues, ethical consumption can be seen as a form of political action and a way to challenge the status quo, potentially leading to alternative practices and broader societal changes.
- The episode suggests that the pursuit of ethical consumption is not about achieving perfection, but rather about striving to make decisions that align with one's values and contribute to positive change, even in an imperfect system.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “You know, I really have an issue with the phrase there is no ethical consumption under capitalism, because it isn't true. Ethics is not about making perfect choices that cause no harm. Ethics is about how we make decisions in an imperfect world in which it is impossible to do no harm, or at least impossible to do no harm 100% of the time.“ by Speaker H
- “It's wild how he's been made the villain in this dispute. So let's have a look at him respond to the shirt and the car.“ by Speaker D
- “For the revolutionaries, capitalism itself is fundamentally unethical, and those trying to use it for ethical means are like people trying to use condoms to get pregnant. Because the system is morally flawed. The onus is on individual to foster ethical commitments counter to the dominant system, while acknowledging that no one could be held responsible for pure morality under capitalism.“ by Speaker E
Entities
Person
Company
Product
Concept
Book
Episode Information
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy
BestOfTheLeft.com
6/14/23
Air Date 6/13/2023
Today, we take a look at the struggle to act ethically, at least by our own measure if there's not a universally-agreed standard to compare with, relating to the purchase of both the necessities of life we all need as well as the more luxury items that get added on top.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content)
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: No ethical consumption under capitalism: short deep dive - @professor_neil - Air Date 4-13-23
Origin of "no ethical consumption under capitalism"
What once was a statement of fact, now has been taken as an excuse to essentially be a consumer without even thinking about the ethics involved of what you were buying.
Ch. 3: "Separating Art vs. the Artist" doesn't work for Harry Potter - Kuncan Dastner - Air Date 4-14-22
Secrets of Dumbledore and Hogwarts Legacy aren't enough to save this franchise
Alternate thoughts on the ethics of consumption within capitalism
Ch. 5: Ethical Consumption - Pullback - Air Date 3-7-23
So, there’s no ethical consumption under capitalism. Does that mean there’s no value to movements like slow fashion, eating local, and Fairtrade?
This is a conversation about how and why The Good Place exists and what it reflects about The Odd Place in which we actually live. Unlike a lot of conversations about moral philosophy, this one is a lot of fun.
Ch. 7: Ethical Capitalism: Is It Possible? - Wise Crack - Air Date 7-19-21
We live in an era of increased skepticism towards capitalism. But is participating in capitalism inherently antithetical to living an ethical life? Or is it possible to act ethically within a capitalist system?
A video essay on modern day ethics as discussed in the Netflix show The Good Place. Focusing in particular on the notion of ethical consumerism and individuality from a sociological perspective.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Conscious Consumerism: Does it make a difference - Roundtable - Air Date 7-10-19
Conscious consumerism focuses on making positive decisions throughout the buying process, with the intention of helping to balance some of the negative impacts that consumerism has on the planet.
My 17 yr-old and I have noticed an unsettling trend on social media: folks choosing to take the concept of "No ethical consumption under capitalism" as a license to give up when it comes to trying to make ethical purchases for our bodies and our homes.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Response to cohousing episode
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on why people being misled into unethical behavior gives me hope
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: White text in a funky font says “There is no ethical consumption under capitalism.” in quotation marks on a black background.
Credit: Design by A. Hoffman using "BM Kirang Haerang" font.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com