Karl
Marx
By:
Kirolos Michael
Karl
Marx (1818–1883) is most popular not as a philosopher, but as a progressive. He
is credited for the establishment of numerous communist governments in the twentieth century, and has been a house hold name for years.
Marx was an egalitarian, believing that everyone should be treated equal.
Growing up in poverty himself, he realized that in a capitalist society the
rich got richer and the poor were left with nothing. He aimed to change this.
Marx
has been embedded in my brain since the very beginnings of high school. It was
taught that he was one of the most influential people ever, though being criticized
at times. He is the author of many books. One book, Critique of Hegel’s
Philosophy of Right criticizes fellow philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel's and
where Marx famously states that “religion is the opiate of the people,” saying
religion is a harmful illusion. One of his other books Economic and Philosophical
Manuscripts covers various topics such as his ideas on communism, private
property, and economics. Perhaps his greatest and best recognized work is The Communist Manifesto, where he outlines his idea of the class struggle.
Marx sees history as a class struggle: the bourgeoisie vs the proletariat.
The bourgeoisie being the rich, owners of production and the proletariat being
the poor, working class people. He saw it that the proletariat were
people exploited by providing the lowest possible wage and working conditions,
while the bourgeoisie were benefiting from their expense. Marx believed this class struggle was inevitable
as noted in A Little History of Philosophy:
“It was built into the structure of history.
But it could be helped along a bit, and in the Communist Manifesto of 1848,
which he wrote with Engels, he called upon workers of the world to unite and
overthrow capitalism. Echoing the opening lines of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s
Social Contract they declared that the workers had nothing to lose but their
chains.”
However, he
believed there was hope, in that the wealth of the bourgeoisie depended solely
on the labors of the proletariat. Essentially, capitalism is based off the
working class. Eventually, Marx predicted that the proletariat would rise
against the bourgeoisie as a result of built up resentment. Following the
defeat of capitalism, he insisted that a new classless society would be built, where
everyone would be equal. This would be later known as communism.
I
find it hard to agree with Karl Marx, in regard to America. I think Americans are too involved with the idea of the American dream, capitalism, and competition
to ever think about switching to a communist system. In theory, I respect what
Marx had to offer. The idea that maybe everyone could be equal sounds great on
paper. Realistically, this would hinder technological and societal advancements.
Without recognition or an incentive, since everyone would be equal, this system
would create a stalemate. Regardless I find Marx very interesting and here are
some more links below to read more!
Since resuming classes remotely, I have acquired 10 bases from commenting/replying under the daily posts and posting content on the main page! I'm also 90% sure I'm from section 6, though I may be wrong!
"The idea that maybe everyone could be equal sounds great on paper. Realistically, this would hinder technological and societal advancements. Without recognition or an incentive, since everyone would be equal, this system would create a stalemate." The egalitarian ideal is not to that everyone is or ever can be literally equal, but that everyone should be insured equality of opportunity and equality before the law. These are not just "great on paper," they're the bedrock values of any just society. They do not, or would not, deprive us of recognition or incentive. "From each according to ability, to each according to need" would only be a disincentive for those motivated strictly by money, which Marxists presume there will be many fewer of in a just society... and they presume that those who persist in valuing personal wealth above all else will be marginalized and neutralized in such a world. You're right, that's a hard shift to envision in today's America and it may well be an unrealistic ideal. But as we've had graphically illustrated for us these past weeks, the times may be a'changin'...
ReplyDeleteDo you mean 10 RUNS, not bases?
DeleteYes, you're in section 6.
Yes, sorry! Definitely runs not bases!
DeleteI always thought that an egalitarian society also refers to economic status. Wouldn't that mean somewhat of an equal salary for everyone would be similar? I feel like a main point in creating a classless society would include the fixing of income inequality and distribution. If this aspect is true would doctors be getting the salary they deserve as opposed to say someone with a less prestigious job? In that regard, I do not see a reason for people to try and come up with new innovation, because of the lack of monitory incentives. I'm interested on what you have to say about this!
DeleteI find Marxist ideas to be particularly interesting in today’s climate. With an economy in shambles, and the lower classes feeling the bigger brunt of this pandemic I feel like a gradual shift may be in the future. Section 6
ReplyDeleteI agree with Andrew that now, more than ever, would be an interesting moment in American history to see if Marxist thought would raise the standard of living for most Americans. Obviously, this would likely require a violent overthrow of the current capitalist system, something I do not believe would be currently possible. But I've often wondered if good-faith communism would be more effective than the late-stage capitalist system we currently lives in—which only seems to benefit the rich and powerful. With enough inequality in America, especially now being exacerbated by the COVID crisis, I think revolt is becoming more and more likely. A good time to read Camus' "The Rebel" I'd say...
ReplyDelete