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I'm using the standard definition of capitalism. E.g. Encyclopaedia Britannica dates "early capitalists" to 1500–1750. https://www.britannica.com/topic/capital

• Retric 6y ago
  Agricultural Capitalism is listed as starting in 1350 by Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_capitalism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_capitalism But, it’s hard to pin down a date because individual ownership of the means of production is arguably the default state.
  • pbhjpbhj 6y ago
    >individual ownership of the means of production is arguably the default state. // Could you flesh out that argument because I'd imagine that co-operative ownership was essential to the rise of civilisation.
    • Retric 6y ago
      Tool use age by various animal species is generally used by the individuals that locate and or create the tools. Similarly the defense of hunting territory by individuals or families is another means of production. Complex social structures and collective ownership are very much the exception.
    • jevgeni 6y ago
      In very early stages, yes. Until humans figured out that ownership can be concentrated by using violence.