Marx Response Paper Throughout the ages there have been many differing ideas about the divide and tension between the classes. The eighteen hundreds was a time of immense change in these concepts. The philosophers and political thinkers throughout this time all had different ideas about the struggle between the classes, however, none have been as pronounced and as long- lasting as the ideas of Karl Marx. However, prior to understanding the opinion surrounding his positions it is first crucial to understand his background and beliefs. Karl Marx was born on May 5, 1818 in Prussia into a prominent family (Leedham). While at the University of Berlin, Marx became associated with a group known as The Young Hegelians (Leedham). This was as group
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The main goal of his works was to expose the inherent contradictions of liberal capitalism (Leedham). He believed that capitalism lead to the subjugation and alienation of mankind (Leedham). Capitalism, for Marx, was defined by the mode of production, or the economic system (Leedham). In capitalism there is a small group of owners, known as the Bourgeoisie, who control the means of production as well as the labor force (Leedham). This labor force, the Proletariat, must sell their labor to produce objects that will be sold on the market (Leedham). The reason that capitalism is so significant is due to Marx’s belief in the importance of the base, the economic system of the society (Leedham). The base of a society affects the political, social, legal, religious, and philosophical aspects of a society (Leedham). These parts are known as the superstructure (Leedham). These are all parts of Marx’s …show more content…
His works present aspects that when applied do not necessarily align with the modern world. In his discussion of the base and the superstructure, Marx argues that economic system, or the base, is the only thing that can shape the rest of society. This, however, is not the case. While economics does have a strong role in society it is not the only thing that influences society. In America the political system attempts to block the influence of economics in other aspects of our society. While some corruption does still occur in our system; in most cases there is a loss of influence in parts of our society. Additionally, Marx’s concepts of the means and mode of production are also not equivocal to today’s modern society. In the eighteen hundreds the main force of labor in factories was the poor who needed work. In today’s society, the main means of production has become more technological driven. The development of technology has led to the almost destruction of the factory worker as they are only needed for menial jobs. While the means and mode of production still exist what they are has changed. Moreover, Marx argues that the revolution will begin with a class struggle and when the proletariat comes together and forms a class consciousness. In America, this has already occurred with the formation of labor unions. Workers have come together and formed groups to gain their
The main goal of his works was to expose the inherent contradictions of liberal capitalism (Leedham). He believed that capitalism lead to the subjugation and alienation of mankind (Leedham). Capitalism, for Marx, was defined by the mode of production, or the economic system (Leedham). In capitalism there is a small group of owners, known as the Bourgeoisie, who control the means of production as well as the labor force (Leedham). This labor force, the Proletariat, must sell their labor to produce objects that will be sold on the market (Leedham). The reason that capitalism is so significant is due to Marx’s belief in the importance of the base, the economic system of the society (Leedham). The base of a society affects the political, social, legal, religious, and philosophical aspects of a society (Leedham). These parts are known as the superstructure (Leedham). These are all parts of Marx’s …show more content…
His works present aspects that when applied do not necessarily align with the modern world. In his discussion of the base and the superstructure, Marx argues that economic system, or the base, is the only thing that can shape the rest of society. This, however, is not the case. While economics does have a strong role in society it is not the only thing that influences society. In America the political system attempts to block the influence of economics in other aspects of our society. While some corruption does still occur in our system; in most cases there is a loss of influence in parts of our society. Additionally, Marx’s concepts of the means and mode of production are also not equivocal to today’s modern society. In the eighteen hundreds the main force of labor in factories was the poor who needed work. In today’s society, the main means of production has become more technological driven. The development of technology has led to the almost destruction of the factory worker as they are only needed for menial jobs. While the means and mode of production still exist what they are has changed. Moreover, Marx argues that the revolution will begin with a class struggle and when the proletariat comes together and forms a class consciousness. In America, this has already occurred with the formation of labor unions. Workers have come together and formed groups to gain their