[P2P-F] [NetworkedLabour] Into the digital void? – International Socialism

Wed Oct 19 14:06:13 CEST 2016

Orsan, I think what you are saying here links with the question Bob raised about agroecology on small scale farms, as the answer to corporate industrial agriculture. What is the difference and why is it so important?

It is clear that on small scale farms there is a possibility, even a tendency, towards a relationship to the soil, the livestock, the crops, and the environment. This profound connection raises the consciousness of those involved, so that they tend to feel protective of the resources they use, and respect the natural environment. This connection can address the alienation experienced by most of us when we remain totally cut off from where our food comes from, and how it is grown. This is not just a question of information, knowing the name of the farmer etc, but also a feeling of care which can be communicated by 'home grown' vegetables, or farmers markets.

This is not to say that we should not use automation where appropriate on small scale farms. But we need to recognise that the earth is our home, and should be treated with some reverence. When we harm the soil with fertilisers, weed killers and insecticides, we are killing our home.

> On 18 Oct 2016, at 00:07, Orsan Senalp <orsan1234 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> It is not surprising that in this, grounded critics of digital capitalism by Upchurch, in an SWP comm tool, overlooks, as its targeted perspectives, namely 'consciousness-ideology-alienation-hegemony' dimensions in the whole thing. I think it is time to put forward such critics instead of trying to grasp only the objective aspects of the issue. In my opinion the letter, subjective aspect is as important and vital the objective aspects as we want to not only understand but also change the reality imposed and steered by the capital. 
> Orsan
> 
> 
>> On 17 okt. 2016, at 09:13, peter waterman <peterwaterman1936 at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> I may have previously posted this item, or another version of such.
>> 
>> However, I don't mind re-posting it in so far as it seems to be a major Marxist (not to mention Trotskyist or SWP) position on the matter.
>> 
>> My feeling is that it is over-determinist. Or that it's pessimism of the intellect is unbalanced by an optimism of the will?
>> 
>> Or, again, that the author does not recognise 1) the technological quantum leap that ICT represents (Castells compares it to the invention of the alphabet, not the steam-engine), nor 2) the contradictory nature of ICT.
>> 
>> So, finally, I would appreciate other - better qualified - opinions on the matter.
>> 
>> Pw
>> 
>> 
>> http://isj.org.uk/into-the-digital-void/
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