Das Eigentum

[Title Page and Publication Information]: Title page and publication details for the second edition of Eugen Schwiedland's 'Das Eigentum' (Property), published in 1918. [Introduction and Biological Origins of Property]: Schwiedland introduces property as a dominant social institution and explores its biological roots, comparing human acquisition to the behavior of plants and animals like ants and bees. He distinguishes between mere possession (Besitz) and socially recognized property (Eigentum). [Historical Development of Land Ownership]: This section traces the evolution of land ownership from collective tribal use to private property. It details the Germanic village structures (Gemengelage, Hufe), the transition from communal 'Allmende' to private holdings, and the historical development of large estates through conquest and feudalism. It also briefly critiques the Russian 'Mir' as a state-imposed fiscal tool rather than primitive communism. [Modern Land Policy, Urbanization, and Capital]: The author discusses the 'mobilization' of land through capital and the rise of urban land speculation in cities like Berlin, London, and New York. He argues for state intervention and expropriation rights to protect public welfare against the 'land privilege' and discusses the shift in power toward financial and industrial elites (Schlotbarone). [Social Consequences and the Role of the Middle Class]: Schwiedland examines the social effects of wealth inequality, citing Aristotle's preference for a strong middle class (Mittelstand) to maintain state stability. He critiques the 'survival of the fittest' in economic terms, noting that wealth does not always correlate with merit, and emphasizes the importance of a healthy peasantry and middle class for national vitality. [Inheritance Law and Systems]: A comparative analysis of inheritance systems, contrasting the Roman-French model of equal division (Code Civil) with the Germanic-English model of primogeniture or 'Anerbenrecht'. The author argues that inheritance law determines the future social structure by perpetuating wealth or poverty across generations. [Theories of Property and Ethical Justifications]: Schwiedland reviews various philosophical and legal justifications for property, including the personality theory (Fichte), the legal theory (Hobbes/Bentham), and the labor theory (Locke). He contrasts these with Christian views on stewardship and the social obligations of wealth, ultimately arguing that property's legitimacy depends on its social utility and fairness. [Conclusion: The Future of Property Reform]: The concluding section argues that while private property is an 'eternal concept' essential for culture, its current form requires reform to prevent social decay. Schwiedland advocates for limiting extreme inequalities and increasing the social duties of owners, referencing Jhering's vision of a more just distribution of goods.