„A post-capitalist society must determine the measure by which it mediates needs, weighs them against each other, and translates them into societal production“ (Hermann Lueer, 2026b)
Hermann Lueer has presented a perceptive and methodologically rigorous engagement with our book “Kapitalismus aufheben” [EN: Make Capitalism History] (Lueer, 2026b, own translation). It is refreshing to read a critique that does not stop at superficial polemics but instead raises structural questions regarding societal form. He acknowledges the intent, analytical advances, and results of our theoretical analyses (non-moral approach, utopia of possibility, constitution prior to rupture, critique of the form of mediation, critique of the state). We accept the criticism that it remains unclear how “a stable, transparent, and societally viable mode of production and distribution” is supposed to emerge from commoning and stigmergy—this point is entirely valid and has been raised by other authors as well. From today’s perspective, the state of the argument in “Make Capitalism History” (Sutterlütti & Meretz, 2023) must be characterized as rudimentary in this regard. More recent texts attempt to address these shortcomings (see below). However, the focus here is on the critique of the position held at that time; we do not wish to use the excuse that the material is “outdated.” Lueer’s critique addresses central questions concerning post-capitalist societies in general, making it a particularly interesting topic for discussion. Consequently, this response will take a somewhat broader approach. It will not, however, attempt to fill the gaps from that time—some pointers in this direction can be found at the end of the text, with references to more recent publications. This response focuses primarily on the question of what is fundamentally required for a society-wide system of mediation to function and generate coherence. For that is the question Lueer raises.
(mehr …)
