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Then & Now: Philosophy, History & Politics

Marx: A Complete Guide to Capitalism

Mar 11, 2025
Discover Karl Marx's profound impact on modern society and politics, especially his views on commodities and human experiences. Dive into the naturalistic fallacy he critiqued, challenging fixed ideas about society. Explore his revolutionary thoughts against capitalism and the alienation that arises from it. Uncover the dual nature of commodities and labor, the clash between technology and workers, and the importance of proletarian unity. Engage with Marx's flexible philosophy that invites critical thinking and community participation.
02:14:06

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Quick takeaways

  • Commodities embody both use value and exchange value, shaped by labor and social relationships rather than inherent qualities.
  • Marx critiques capitalism for reducing labor to a commodity, resulting in exploitation and a disconnect between workers and their productivity.

Deep dives

Understanding Commodities and Their Role

Commodities are fundamental to human existence, playing a crucial role throughout history. They possess both use value and exchange value, yet these values are not inherent; instead, they arise from labor and social relationships. Marx argues that to comprehend the essence of a commodity, one must explore the labor that goes into its production and how societal values attach to it. Thus, understanding commodities requires a deeper investigation into the forces that shape their worth beyond mere pricing.

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