Intro to Marxism-Leninism-Maoism, emergence of Marxism, Engels' biography, utopian socialism, commodity exchange and exploitation, Marx's economic theory, link between Marxism and working class, Paris Commune, critique of Gotha Program, spread of Marxism in Russia
Marxism is a practical ideology that prioritizes action and transformation over abstract speculation and theory.
The foundation of Marxist philosophy, political economy, and scientific socialism is drawn from German classical philosophy, English political economy, and French socialist theories.
Marx and Engels rejected idealism and embraced materialism, developing dialectical materialism as the basis of their philosophy.
The materialist conception of history explains social change in terms of the development of productive forces and its impact on the relations of production.
Deep dives
The Practical Nature of Marxism
Marxism is a practical ideology that emphasizes the need for action and change rather than mere contemplation and theory. Marx and Engels believed in understanding and transforming the real world rather than engaging in abstract philosophical discussions.
The Three Sources of Marxism
Marxism draws from three main sources: German classical philosophy, English political economy, and French socialist theories. These sources provided the foundation for Marxist philosophy, political economy, and scientific socialism.
Dialectical and Historical Materialism
Marx and Engels rejected idealism and embraced materialism as the basis of their philosophy. They developed dialectical materialism by combining Hegelian dialectics with materialist principles. They applied dialectical materialism to the study of society and history, forming the materialist conception of history.
The Materialist Conception of History
The materialist conception of history explains social change as a result of the development of the productive forces and the accompanying relations of production. It emphasizes the economic base of society and how it shapes the legal, political, and intellectual superstructure. Social revolution is necessary when the relations of production hinder the development of the productive forces.
Marx's Materialist Conception of History
Marx developed the materialist conception of history in 1844-45, which formed the foundation of his theory. He emphasized that changes in the economic base of society lead to changes in the superstructure. This discovery laid the groundwork for his other theories.
Struggle against Utopian Socialism
Utopian socialism was a pre-Marxist trend that aimed to transform society through ideal communities. Marx and Engels challenged utopian socialists, highlighting the importance of class struggle in achieving socialism. They argued that rational plans alone were insufficient and emphasized the revolutionary role of the proletariat.
Marx's Contribution to Political Economy
Marx analyzed capitalism in depth, focusing on the labor theory of value and the concept of surplus value. He explained how capitalist crises are inherent to the system and exposed the contradictions of capitalism between social production and private ownership. Marx's analysis formed the basis for understanding and transforming capitalist economies.
Lessons from the Paris Commune
The Paris Commune was the first attempt by the proletariat to establish its own rule. Though short-lived, it provided valuable lessons. Marx highlighted the positive measures taken by the Commune, such as separation of church and state and election of officials. He also emphasized the need for a centralized proletarian leadership and the importance of smashing the existing state apparatus to build a new workers' state.
This document is written by the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and is used as a study guide for their cadre. It is an exemplary summary and outline of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism and the history of the International Communist Movement
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