MARXISM
Lecture notes by S.
Sreekumar
1. Introduction
Marxism can be defined
as a set of theories (mostly political and social), a system of thought and
analysis formulated by Karl Marx, a German philosopher 1 who lived
in the nineteenth century. These
theories had tremendous political, social and literary influence during a major
part of the twentieth century. Marxism
still retains an aura of past glory though as a political system its future has
become bleak after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The basic aim of Marxism
is to correct the evils of capitalism such as political and economic
inequalities in society. This aim it hopes to achieve by overthrowing
capitalism and bringing in socialism.
Marxism is not a simple
doctrine as may seem from the above statements. Rather, it is a complicated
doctrine with three dimensions in Philosophy, History and Economics.
a. Marxism and Philosophy
As a movement in
Philosophy, Marxism is much indebted to the doctrines of Hegel, Kant and other German philosophers. Based on
their theories, Marx evolved a new branch of philosophy called Dialectical Materialism 2. According to
this, all political / historical events in the world have their base in the
conflict of social forces. These social forces originate from man’s material
needs.
b. Marxism and History
Marxism opens a new way
called Historical Materialism to understand
History. According to this, historical or social changes happen not because of
any non-human or super-human force like God or destiny but these changes are
caused by man’s material culture. By material culture, Marx means the tools,
objects and other materials man use in their daily lives. These tools are also
described as “instruments of production”. Marx believes that the modes of
production in a society decide its organization into different social groups.
Marx views capitalism as
a mode of production that emerged from medieval feudalism. Like feudalism,
capitalism is also an unjust system. Exploitation of the poor and working class
is inbuilt in the system. Marx believes that capitalism will collapse because
of its internal contradictions. It will give way to socialism and to a higher
form of socialism called communism. When communism is achieved all social
changes will end and there will be no more injustice in the world.
