Throughout history, many different types of social and economic theories have developed as a direct response to the problems a given philosopher observed in society. With this in mind, it is interesting to analyze is how two different people can observe similar problems within society and develop different solutions. For example, in the 19th century Karl Marx identified many problems within his society and developed his socialist theories to address these issues. On the other hand, Scottish author and government reformer Samuel Smiles saw similar problems and developed different solutions. His solutions helped Samuels become a recognized “zealous advocate of material progress based on individual enterprise and free trade” (2). To understand how these types of different solutions developed, it is important to study each philosopher’s historical situation and the problems they observed. In this way a person can better compare the proposed solutions for similarities and differences.
Karl Marx is considered to be the founder of the concept of socialism. Born in Prussia in 1818, his Jewish background exposed him to discrimination during his childhood that led him to question the role of religion in society (1). This …show more content…
While both men lived during the same times, and observed the same problems, they developed opposite solutions. Marx felt that private property and the individual pursuit of wealth caused the injustices he saw every day. His solution was to create a society in which there was no private property and all citizens were equal in every way working together in peace and harmony. Smiles felt that the motivation and opportunity for a person’s hard work to be rewarded was essential to success. With little government restriction, each man and woman would succeed or fail on their own. This capitalistic self-reliance would collectively improve and create a great
Karl Marx is considered to be the founder of the concept of socialism. Born in Prussia in 1818, his Jewish background exposed him to discrimination during his childhood that led him to question the role of religion in society (1). This …show more content…
While both men lived during the same times, and observed the same problems, they developed opposite solutions. Marx felt that private property and the individual pursuit of wealth caused the injustices he saw every day. His solution was to create a society in which there was no private property and all citizens were equal in every way working together in peace and harmony. Smiles felt that the motivation and opportunity for a person’s hard work to be rewarded was essential to success. With little government restriction, each man and woman would succeed or fail on their own. This capitalistic self-reliance would collectively improve and create a great