As a domain expert in the field of political philosophy, I can provide an overview of the beliefs that are central to Marxism. Marxism is a complex and multifaceted ideology that encompasses a wide range of ideas, primarily derived from the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Here are some key beliefs that are often associated with Marxism:


1. Historical Materialism: This is the idea that the economic base of society—the way in which people produce and reproduce the necessities of life—fundamentally shapes the social, political, and intellectual life of a society.


2. Class Struggle: Marx believed that society is divided into different classes, and the primary conflict is between the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class). This struggle is seen as the driving force of historical change.


3. Surplus Value and Exploitation: Marx argued that the value of a commodity is determined by the labor that goes into it. Capitalists, according to Marx, exploit workers by paying them less than the value of the goods they produce, thus appropriating the surplus value.


4. Alienation: Workers under capitalism are alienated from the product of their labor, the process of production, their fellow workers, and their own humanity.


5. The Dictatorship of the Proletariat: Marx believed that after a revolution, the working class would need to establish a temporary state to protect the interests of the proletariat and suppress the resistance of the bourgeoisie.


6. Communism: The ultimate goal of Marxism is a classless society where the means of production are owned collectively, and goods and services are distributed according to need.

7.
Revolution: Marx was a historical determinist who believed that the world would inevitably move toward a communist political and economic system through a series of social revolutions.

8.
Internationalism: Marx and Engels believed in the international solidarity of the working class, famously captured in the phrase, "Workers of the world, unite!"

9.
Critique of Ideology: Marx held that ruling ideas are the ideas of the ruling class, and that ideologies serve to justify the existing social order.

10.
Labor Theory of Value: This theory posits that the value of a commodity is determined by the amount of socially necessary labor time required to produce it.

1
1. Reification: Marx critiqued the way in which social relations are transformed into things, and things are then treated as if they have inherent value or power.

1
2. Base and Superstructure: The base refers to the economic system and mode of production, while the superstructure includes the legal, political, and ideological aspects of society. The base determines the superstructure.

1
3. Capital Accumulation: Marx analyzed how capitalists accumulate capital through the process of exploitation and the expansion of production.

1
4. Imperialism and Colonialism: Marx's later works also touched on the role of imperialism and colonialism in the expansion of capitalism and the exploitation of other nations.

1
5. Socialism: Often seen as a transitional stage between capitalism and communism, socialism involves the collective ownership of the means of production but may allow for some degree of private property and market mechanisms.

It's important to note that Marxism is not a monolithic ideology, and there are many variations and interpretations within the broader Marxist tradition. Different Marxist thinkers have emphasized different aspects of Marx's theories, leading to a rich and diverse body of thought.

read more >>

Marxists not only follow Marx's teachings on economics, but also on a variety of other beliefs about morality and history. Marx was a historical determinist who believed that the world would inevitably move toward a communist political and economic system through a series of social revolutions.read more >>