Free market capitalism makes people more materialistic

Free Market Capitalism (hereinafter referred to as Capitalism) not only makes people more materialistic, but requires them to be so. In order for a Capitalist economy to exist, it must never cease to pursue the potential and idea of growth. There are two main methods a Capitalist economy can use in order to maintain growth, conquest related acquisitions and the consumption of material possessions. In the following paragraphs I will first voice some of my reservations about the introduction. I will next demonstrate why a Capitalist economy must constantly pursue growth. I will then demonstrate why the consumption of exchangeable goods, as opposed to nonexchangeable goods best feeds a Capitalist economy. Then, using these premises, I will argue that the psychological drive that operates within a Capitalist economy must view exchangeable goods as categorically of a higher value than nonexchangeable goods. First and foremost, I believe that the resolution in question, "Free market capitalism makes people more materialistic" is inherently and subtly prejudiced in favor of my opponent. While I do want to commend his efforts to diffuse the loaded nature of the word "materialistic", I do not believe he has gone far enough. I will absolutely accept my opponents definition of "material possessions" and "wealth" as exchangeable goods. I will not however, submit to his list, though it was in good faith, of "exchangeable goods." My opponent in his resolution inherently suggests that "materialistic" possessions are bad things, as he contrasts microwave ovens with knowledge and love. I would like to submit to the voters in this matter that exchangeable goods also include your house, your clothing and food. I agree with my opponent that the crystallization point for this debate is that I must prove that exchangeable goods are categorically of a higher value than nonexchangeable goods. However, this agreement comes with a caveat. I further ask the voters to recognize that categorically does NOT mean exclusively. In the forthcoming paragraphs I will argue that as a matter of judging categories of exchangeable or nonexchangeable, Capitalist economies value exchangeable goods higher. This does not necessarily mean that an exchangeable good such as table is of higher value than a nonexchangeable good such as knowledge. I submit to the voters that the category of exchangeable goods, not each and every exchangeable good itself is necessary for Free Market Capitalism. Let us first begin by discussing Capitalism as it is defined by my opponent. Capitalism "refers to a market of property rights voluntarily exchanged by the mutual consent of buyers and sellers, which is ultimately independent of third-party subsidization, taxation, regulation or imposition of a single monetary system." If possible I ask the voters to permit themselves to a temporary veil of ignorance. No country in the world today is presently acting in a way that represents this definition. This argument is only useful if we are willing to create an environment where this definition of Capitalism actually exists. I ask the voters to picture yourself on a deserted island, a lawless island if you will. On this island are four other individuals very similar to yourself. On this island one of you is a skilled fisherman, one of you is a skilled carpenter, one of you is a skilled farmer, one of you is a skilled clothing maker and of you is a doctor. These individuals all trade products with one another so as to ensure each individuals own survival. This can go on for some period of time until one of two things happens. Either the first option, people begin to die off at which point the Capitalist lawless island ceases to exist. As soon as the people die, capitalism dies and the resolution at question here no longer applies. The other potential circumstance is that one of the five individuals on the island has offspring. At this point, there are five people working on the island while they are producing goods for six people. This growth in population necessitates the growth of exchangeable, materialistic if you will, goods. Assume for a moment, that on this island each individual only needs 20 Utils to live. Therefore, prior to the population expansion, each person had to only produce 20 Utils to live. Now, after the birth of offspring, the economy as a whole must produce 120 Utils. Per person now, each worker must produce more exchangeable goods than they were asked to before. They must produce more food, more shelter, more medical care and more clothing. These exchangeable goods feed the Capitalist economy and continue to keep it growing. This is the inevitable and necessary result of Capitalism. As outlined before, a Capitalist economy will grow as previously demonstrated or it will cease to exist. At this point the voter may be thinking, "okay, I will accept that the Capitalist economy will inevitably grow, but why must it grow by exchangeable goods instead of nonexchangeable goods?" Well, the answer to that question is quite simple. If you are on this hypothetical lawless island, the only place I know of that is currently in a state of Free Market Capitalism, nonexchangeable goods will not put a roof over your head or phone in your stomach. The category of exchangeable goods in this hypothetical includes, but admittedly is not limited to, the necessary items that will keep a human being alive, food, water and shelter. Some nonexchangeable goods are important, namely oxygen. I submit that since Oxygen is used non-exclusively that it is not valued higher by Capitalism. Oxygen, and other nonexchangeable goods, are valued highly by all individuals with lungs, not just Capitalist individuals. Lastly, as I promised earlier, I argue that the psychological drive that produces actions valuing exchangeable goods as categorically of a higher value than nonexchangeable goods is inherently Capitalistic. Allow us again, just for a moment, to return to the lawless island. As soon as that first population expansion occurs, as inevitable to allow life and this debate to continue, the psychological drive of all parties continues. Each individual automatically acknowledges that the Island must produce more food, clothes and shelter or some people are going to go hungry and die. This change in psychology demands that the economy is going to grow by the harvest and consumption of more exchangeable goods. Wherefore, I request the voters to rule in my favor as a Capitalist economy will continue to grow by the consumption of exchangeable goods, or it will cease to exist and this debate is futile. This consumption of exchangeable goods is, as defined by my opponent materialism. These exchangeable goods are the building blocks of life. Capitalism makes people psychologically more willing to make and obtain exchangeable as they require food, clothing and shelter.