Preview

Marx's Ideal Society

Powerful Essays
Open Document
Open Document
2566 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Marx's Ideal Society
One of the greatest debates of all time has been regarding the issue of the freedom of mankind. The one determining factor, for Marx, it that freedom is linked with class conflict. As a historian, Karl Marx traced the history of mankind by the ways in which the economy operated and the role of classes within the economy. For Marx, the biggest question that needed to be answered was "Who owns freedom?" With this in mind, Marx gives us a solution to both the issues of freedom and class conflict in his critique of capitalism and theory of communism, which is the ideal society for Marx. His theory of communism is based on the "ultimate end of human history" because there will be freedom for all humankind. Marx saw communism as the ideal society because it is "the genuine resolution of the conflict between man and man- the true resolution of the strife between existence and essence...between freedom and necessity" that capitalism fosters. Marx was also committed to the notion that theory and action go hand in hand. Marx dismissed earlier thinkers because they (philosophers) "have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point, however, is to change it." He also stated "Ideas cannot carry out anything at all. In order to carry out ideas men are needed who can exert practical force". However, Marx would have been appalled by the way his theory of communism was misused. It can be said, though, that Marx's theory of communism was clearly open for interpretation because he failed to offer "principles or guidelines of even the most general kind" for how the system of communism was to be fully established. It was this opportunity for interpretation that made Marx's theory of communism doomed for failure when it was used in practice. Marx's theory stems from the social conditions existing during his lifetime. This was when the industrial revolution was hitting its stride. Great technological advances were being made to the modes of production, especially


Bibliography: Bakunin: The Philosophy of Freedom, Brian Morris, Black Rose Books, 1993. Marxism and Class Theory, Frank Parkin, Columbia University Press, 1979. Marx: A Clear Guide, Edward Reiss, Pluto Press, 1997. Revolution and Counter-revolution in Germany, Frederick Engels, Foreign Languages Press, 1977. Capital, Karl Marx, Progress Publishers, 1971. German Ideology, Karl Marx and Frederick Engels, International Publishers, 1996. European Democracies, Jurg Steiner, Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., 1998. The Outlook: Worker-Capitalists of the World Unite, Jacob M. Schlesinger, The Wall Street Journal, Monday, November 15,1999.
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Analysis Of Marx's Social Theory By Terrell Carver
    • 536 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Analysis Of Marx's Social Theory By Terrell Carver

    After discussing influence of Marx, author tells the circumstances in which Marx’s social theory came into existence. Marx drew his inspiration from Hegel idealistic philosophy. He was also influenced by English economist Adam Smith and David Ricardo. In the year 1842-43 Marx became the editor of Rheinische Zeintung. During the editorship of Rheinische Zeintung, Marx wrote articles on the freedom of press and against the law which restrict the peasants from wood-gathering from forest. He also wrote about the plight of worker, finally, this paper was banned. Marx travelled from one country to another in Europe and observed the societies very closely; all these visits helped him in the formulation of social theory.…

    • 536 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Best Essays

    The Widespread Appeal of the Communist Manifesto
    • 1485 Words
    • 6 Pages

    The Widespread Appeal of the Communist Manifesto

    The Communist Manifesto, published in 1848, was one of the most influential texts of the 19th century. In brief, it outlines how all of human development has been forms of class struggles, first with the feudal lord and peasant, and in later years the bourgeoisie and proletariat. According to Marx, the final stage of the development of society is rebellion of the working class. It is inevitable that the laborers will come to rule themselves and overthrow the capitalists. Capitalism is heavily attacked by Marx; he describes the system as exploitative, cruel, unjust, and therefore destined to be overthrown. Through the manifesto, Marx works to call the workers together to gain control of their future, as he believes they must.…

    • 1485 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Best Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Machiavelli's View On Human Nature Analysis
    • 1869 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Machiavelli's View On Human Nature Analysis

    Marx and Engels wrote the Communist Manifesto to explain the history of class struggles in Europe and how communism was the ultimate form of government meant to bring equality to society and end the oppressive rule of the rising Bourgeoisie class. For Marx, humans are rational beings. But in a bourgeoisie capitalist dominated society, reality has become distorted and diminished a once functioning society. Industrialization has created a society of working class citizens who are manipulated, easily exploited, and oppressed for monetary gains. This is counterintuitive for the advancement of society and a successful government and brings about struggles of class. Therefore Marx argues the working class should be in control of government, because they are the ones ho keep the bourgeoisie rich and the economy running. “Formation of the proletariat into a class, overthrow of the bourgeois supremacy, conquest of political power by the proletariat” (Marx 14). Marx argues the average working class citizens are capable of governing the land and distributing wealth evenly amongst the people. Writing is simply not enough he calls for revolution in order to restore peace and end the impoverishment of many…

    • 1869 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Week 1 Sociology Notes
    • 1548 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Week 1 Sociology Notes

    Karl Marx’s class conflict theory states that the bourgeoisie (or the capitalists) are locked in conflict with the proletariat (the exploited workers). Marx believed that this conflict could only end when the working class united and violently broke free of the “bondage”. Once this happens, society will be classless and people will work according to their abilities, while receiving goods and services according to their needs. Although Marxism does propose revolution, it should not be confused with communism.…

    • 1548 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Influentia In Brave New World Marxism Essay
    • 1743 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Influentia In Brave New World Marxism Essay

    According to Karl Marx, the struggle between the upper class, the bourgeoisie and the lower class, the proletariat, has always been a constant conflict throughout history. The bourgeoisie controlled all means of production and continuously oppressed the proletariat, which was unfair because the proletariats were the ones doing hard labor, yet the bourgeoisie gained all of the benefits. Marx believed that in order to end this class struggle, class distinctions would need to be eliminated. In order for everybody in society to be considered equal, there could be no private ownership of materials. If private ownership of materials were allowed, then some people would have more things than other people which would create another class and thus another conflict. Therefore, an equalized society would get rid of all conflict. Marxism has been…

    • 1743 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    marx and carnegie
    • 1118 Words
    • 4 Pages

    marx and carnegie

    By eliminating the gap between rich and poor, Marx believes Communism should replace the economic system of Capitalism. In his perspective, he claims, “They have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win. Working men of all countries, unite” (Marx 476). Because he sees the Capitalist system exploits workers who are unfairly treated, he asserts that the proletarians should become the ruling class. The principle of Communism is the ideology of collectivism. Marx states, “Communism deprives no man of the power to appropriate the products of society: all that it does is to deprive him of the power to subjugate the labor of others by means of such appropriation” (470). This means that no private property should be allowed, and no one has even a less or more power in a Communist society. Because Marx illustrates the property ownership would enhance greed, and ambition to win in the…

    • 1118 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Comparing Inequalities Between 'The Doctor And The Doctor's Wife'
    • 1060 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Comparing Inequalities Between 'The Doctor And The Doctor's Wife'

    Founded by Karl Marx, Marxism is a school of thought which explores the relationship between the upper and lower classes of society. It was taught through Marxism that the main cause for historical change was disputes between social classes. This social warfare stemmed from the belief that the state, or government, for as long as it has existed, has used its authority to oppress the working masses for the benefit of the wealthy few. The relationship between the proletariats, the working class, and the bourgeoisie, the rich, was posited as one of opposition and conflict. Marx believed that a successful capitalist-run society was impossible and doomed to fail.…

    • 1060 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Marx in Soho
    • 916 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Marx in Soho

    In his Communist Manifesto, he spoke of a new social order that would eradicate the inequality of wealth among the people. He theorized that no one would possess anything more than the other. The rich would be forced to yield everything they had in excess to the poor. Poverty and starvation would no longer exist under this new social order. Karl Marx founded the ideal that after a revolutionary struggle, it would be a victory for the working class or the proletariat and a communist society…

    • 916 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Adam Smith and Karl Marx Essay
    • 2054 Words
    • 9 Pages

    Adam Smith and Karl Marx Essay

    Modern political economic theory and philosophy can be greatly attributed to the works of two men who seemingly held polar opposite views on the subject. Adam Smith, a Scottish philosopher, published his most well known work An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations in 1776 and is most often associated with the ideas and principles of the political economic system known as Capitalism. At the other end of the spectrum is Karl Marx; the German philosopher most often associated with Communism and the author (or co-author) of The Communist Manifesto. This paper seeks to discuss the core differences in their respective political economic philosophies with regards to what economic value is and what the role of government should be in their versions of political economy. This will conclude with the argument that while Smith's work had laid the foundation for modern economic philosophy, it was Marx who would ultimately leave the most significant impression upon the world with his revolutionary ideas.…

    • 2054 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Individualism and the Cold War
    • 1513 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Individualism and the Cold War

    Marxism, created by philosopher Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, is an economic system that criticizes capitalism. Many often think of Marxism as a type of socialism. Marxism is the foundation that communism is built on which says that one should live in a “socialist, classless society” (Marxism). Marx and Engels wrote a book entitle “The Communist Manifesto,” which encourages the working class to overthrow the upper class. He makes a point of saying that Marxism is against capitalism because it is an exploitation of the working class. He believed that a socialist economy would work far better with a big population than would a capitalist economy. Another important idea of Marxism is historical materialism. Marx believed that history was shaped by people’s materialistic ways of living. A person’s will to survive is shown by their want to acquire things to keep on living. Marx and Engels were the first to predict that industrial…

    • 1513 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Communist Paper
    • 520 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Communist Paper

    Marx (and communism) wants to correct society so that all individuals benefit without a particular ruling and enslaved class. Marx speaks for communism saying, All that we want to do away with, is the miserable character of this…

    • 520 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    The Communist Manifesto
    • 513 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The Communist Manifesto

    In the reading, the communist manifesto, Marx talks about ten main points on how to turn our society into a communist society. The first point that Marx makes I do not agree with. I think that his first point means that the government can come in and take someone’s land that they own. I don’t think that anyone should be able to just randomly decide that they get to take your property away from you. I do not agree with the second point he makes either. People who are not as wealthy as others already struggle to afford things that their family needs. If the taxes heavily increase it will make it that much harder on families who already struggle. Increasing taxes not only affects the people who are considered poor but it also affects everyone else as well. The third point that Marx states I also do not agree with. If you are supposed to receive something from inheritance then you should get it. When someone passes away and leaves particular things to someone their wishes should be honored. I both agree and disagree with the fourth point that he makes. If emigrants or rebels own land and they are doing illegal things on it or with it then I believe that the land should be able to be taken away. If they are using it for good purposes like to build shelter or grow food then I believe they should be able to keep it. Marx’s fifth point I don’t believe that it would be a good idea. With a single person running a big corporation like that could make any decision they want, which can be bad. When there is a group of people who own a corporation they have to take a vote on big decisions. I believe that Marx’s sixth point can be good and bad. The state paying for transportation can be a good thing, but what happens when they run out of money? I don’t think the state could afford to pay for so many people flying on planes, or any form of transportation like that. The seventh point Marx…

    • 513 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Behavioral Sciences: Sociological Issues in America
    • 1989 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Behavioral Sciences: Sociological Issues in America

    References: Marx, Karl. 1971. Preface to A Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy, Tr. S. W. Ryanzanskaya, edited by M. Dobb. London: Lawrence & Whishart.…

    • 1989 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Commodity Fetishism Analysis
    • 1192 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Commodity Fetishism Analysis

    Tsing, A 2009, Supply Chains and the Human Condition, Rethinking Marxism: A Journal of Economics, Culture &…

    • 1192 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Similarities Between Marx And Kyper
    • 897 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Similarities Between Marx And Kyper

    Marx’s plan for reforming society may be more tangible than Kuyper’s, but his plan uses rather cruel and destructive tactics. For instance, Marx believes that the family has become an instrument of oppression and should be eliminated. Marx’s plan for consolidating the family directly contradicts biblical principles and is no less than an attempt to undermine God’s authority. Marx believes the family is merely a product of the class system and not a God ordained institution. Besides Marx’s cruel elimination of the family, his plan further feeds man’s greed and selfishness. Communism’s prohibition of private property claims to produce economic equality. However, this notion seems only to further feed man unhealthy relationship with the material world and denies God his rightful place of power. Without God’s moral authority, man is left to reshape society as he sees fit but at the cost of losing all that is good. After examining Marx argument, the idea of communism does not seem to present an effective solution for resolving poverty in either Marx’s day or in the twenty-first…

    • 897 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics