Capitalism

There are 2 definitions of capitalism.

The most common definition is "An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately or corporately owned and development is proportionate to the accumulation and reinvestment of profits gained in a free market."

From political/philosophical point of view the definition is “Capitalism is a social system based on the principle of individual rights.”

My goal is not to debate the finer points of socialism vs capitalism.... Suffice to say that capitalism creates a social hierarchy of classes and in doing so breeds inequality. Usually we divide society into three distinct groups: Upper class, Middle class, and Lower class. The dividing line is typically economics. Classes can also be divided among other lines as well. But in separating people into groups we automatically create dividing lines and reinforce the inequality.

So the debate on equality centers around the debate on the rights of the individual vs the rights of the group. True equality ignores the rights of the individual and focuses solely on the rights of the group.

In any society there is a natural tension between the interests of individuals and the interest of the group as a whole. There is a conflict between what individuals want and what serves their interests and what is needed for the welfare, safety and security of the entire group. Government needs to moderate that conflict. Depending on the type of view that is operative concerning the nature of the social arrangement and the nature of government, the conflict will be resolved in favor of one or the other sets of interests.