Strand 1: Classical Marxism

Question 1

What did classical marxism argue about capitalism?

Answer 1

• Needs to disappear before socialism then communism can be established
• Promoted “exploitation” + “oppression” of one class by another

Question 2

What happens in the different stages of history?

Answer 2

1. History is series of stages - final destination
2. Intellectual clash - occur when offocial aims of society no longer met need of majority
3. New society spwan

Historicism

Shaped by belief in revolution - necessary to “smash” capitalism with violence

Question 3

What are the views of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels?

Answer 3

Wrote Communist Manifesto (1848), Das Kapital (1867)

• Humans = social + economic beings - contaminated by capitalism which encourages selfishness + greed
• Need to create new, non-capitalist economic system
• Centrality of social class - capitalism created prolterariat + bourgeioisie
• State is not politically neutrally - always serve interests of ruling class
• Revolution is essential