Karl Marx
(1818-1883)

Born of a Jewish family in Prussia (part of modern Russia) and educated in Berlin, Marx is known for the Conflict Theory (also known as theory of: revolution, capitalism, dialectical materialism, Marxism, class conflict/inequality, theory of value, etc.) that spawned modern socialism/communism[1].

This theory is about power, domination and exploitation by the capitalists (bourgeosie) who own the means of production to the detriment of the workers (lower class or proletariat) who have nothing but their labor to sell. He argued that capitalism is inherently a contradictory system (it "breeds its own seeds of destruction") that in time will collapse and will be replaced by socialism.

"Central to Marx's socialism were two basic principles. First, that the working class had to emancipate itself through its own collective action. Freedom could not be given over to the working class, it had to be conquered by the oppressed themselves. Secondly, in order to bring about a socialist transformation of society, the working class would have to overthrow the old state and create a new, fully democratic, state for itself. These two principles-- of self-emancipation and of the democratic workers' state -- became the very essence of 'Marxism', of socialism from below." (From: http://www.anu.edu.au/polsci/marx/contemp/pamsetc/socfrombel/sfb_4.htm)

As a young student, he was influenced by G.W. F. Hegel and joined the Young Hegelians in Berlin. Hegel introduced the idea or philosophy of "dialectic" (thesis, anti-thesis and then synthesis) which is built upon contradictions in society. Marx's refined it and developed his own "dialectical materialism" that views history as a determinant of social relations and the social institutions of society. History is set into motion on the basis of needs, whose satisfaction produces more needs. Human nature is even shaped by history, which is predicated on fulfilment of material needs.

Theory of Class Conflict

Although Marx addressed many issues in his career as a journalist and philosopher, he is most famous for his analysis of history in terms of class conflict, summed up in his assertion that -

A revolution is necessary and the only available means to change relations of production. Thus, Marx predicted radical changes, notably the inevitability of class struggle whereby members of the working class (proletariat) will join forces and overthrow the capitalist system to free themselves from its onerous and exploitative character. For this, he even urged them to unite for national liberation. The following slogan is attributed to Marx: "Workers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains."

Successful, the emancipation of the working class will lead to a new stage of development. This system will prevail where there would be no distinction between social classes, a situation of a "classless society." It is the ideal of a socialist system where privileges are appropriated equally to all, regardless of their conditions in life.

End of Cold War, End of Marxism?

With the end of the "cold war" and the demise of many communist states (Russia, Yugoslavia, Romania, East Germany, etc.), is Marx still relevant today? Does Marxism provide the most viable alternative for modern capitalism? How come China, Vietnam and North Korea have joined the capitalist world recently, rather than opt out of this detested system?[3]

Notes

[1]Socialism - an economic system based on state ownership of capital; communism - a form of socialism that abolishes private ownership. Marxist socialism sees the latter as representing a "higher stage of democracy." Socialism is also defined by Webster's Dictionary as a "theory or system of social reform which contemplates a complete reconstruction of society, with a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor. In popular usage, the term is often employed to indicate any lawless, revolutionary social scheme."

[2] Capitalism generally refers to -
* a combination of economic practices that became institutionalized in Europe between the 16th and 19th centuries, especially involving the centrality of wage labor and the formation and trade in ownership of corporations (see corporate personhood and companies) for buying and selling goods, especially capital goods (including land and labor power), in a relatively free (meaning, free from state control) market
* competing (and contentious) theories that developed in the 19th century, in the context of the industrial revolution, and 20th century, in the context of the Cold War, meant to justify the private ownership of capital, to explain the operation of such markets, and to guide the application or elimination of government regulation of property and markets

[3]George Ritzer says:"many of these formerly Marxist states have become capitalists, and even those that still claim to be Marxist are nothing but a highly bureacratized form of capitalism."

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