Abstract
This chapter uses a British idealist form of social theory to develop a model of human agency in capitalist societies and considers what a free community would look like under capitalism. It considers the problem of third-dimensional power as developed by Steven Lukes, focusing on the relationships between universal human needs and social forms. Next, it uses the concepts of the ‘self’, ‘I’ and ‘person’ to characterise the relationships between human nature, affect, individual alienation, social institutions and personal judgement. Alienation is argued to be inherent in human agency, rather than being solely created by capitalism. This analysis helps to develop an agonal theory of civil society driven by the individual’s performative participation in associations that compete within institutional settings. Finally, the political ramifications of this model are explored, rejecting contemporary constitutionalist approaches in favour of a revised form of pluralist associationalism.
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