Marxist Theory: Philosophy, Economics, and Historical Impact

Marx: Life and Influences

Born in Germany to a Jewish family, Marx initially studied law but later pursued history and philosophy. Unable to secure a suitable academic position, he turned to journalism and became editor-in-chief. After migrating to Paris, he became involved with French socialists and the labor movement. Meeting Engels was pivotal, as Engels highlighted the importance of economics. In 1845, Marx was expelled from France and settled in Belgium, where he joined the League of Communists. He died in 1883 from illness and overwork. Marx's thought draws heavily from German idealist philosophy, English political economy, and French utopian socialism.

Marxist Philosophy: A Historical Perspective

For Marx, history is the progression of humanity's economic maturation and capacity. This capacity involves producing, exchanging, and consuming goods and merchandise. Key historical moments are marked by changes in the mode of production, leading to stages like slavery, feudalism, and capitalism. Marx believed capitalism would eventually be superseded by communism. His methodology involves uncovering the objective laws governing the capitalist system to transform it.

Value and Labor

Marx argued that the value of a product lies in its production. Work should produce things for use, i.e., use value, to fulfill basic needs. Products with exchange value can be traded for other goods or money. However, capitalism prioritizes exchange value over use value, potentially neglecting human needs. Marx believed the true value of a product is human labor, which he termed anthropological work. This transformative action on nature creates products to serve human needs. Through this action, humans humanize the product and meet their needs.

Critique of Capitalism

Marx criticized capitalism for its relentless demands, leaving workers little time for rest and social interaction. In the labor market, employees are free to choose but often lack the means of production, remaining tied to capital and becoming essentially wage slaves. The surplus labor creates surplus value, which is appropriated by the capitalist.