The Nature of Ideology

Both communism and liberal democracy exhibit a strong tendency toward ideological frameworks, which are rooted in their historical and socioeconomic contexts. Marx and Engels posited that individuals do not consciously control their beliefs; rather, they adopt ideas influenced by the conditions of their environment. This perspective implies that prevailing views, often perceived as timeless truths, are actually shaped by specific historical developments, leading to the notion of ideology as a simplification of complex realities. Consequently, this simplification creates a binary of ‘for’ or ‘against’ ideologies, discouraging nuanced discussions and promoting an environment where ideas are often rejected based on their alleged social origins.