Studying society for the working class: Marx’s first preface to “Capital”
Sep 24, 2022
auto_awesome
Marx's preface to 'Capital' explains his method of studying capitalism, distinguishing modes of production, and refuting linear progress in history. The focus on England is emphasized, along with admiration for factory inspectors and the complexity of capitalist societies. Marx discusses the coexistence of modes of production and the importance of learning from others for transformation.
Marx's ultimate aim in his book 'Capital' is to expose the economic law of motion of modern society.
Marx differentiates between modes of production and social formations, emphasizing the importance of critiquing the structures of capital rather than individuals.
Marx highlights the need for international cooperation and learning among workers to effectively transform capitalist societies.
Deep dives
Marx's ultimate aim in Capital
In the preface to Volume 1 of Capital, Marx explains that the ultimate aim of his book is to lay bare the economic law of motion of modern society. He introduces his method of studying and presenting research into the dynamics of capitalism, distinguishing between modes of production and social formations, and highlighting the importance of critiquing the structures of capital rather than individuals within it.
Marx's method and audience
Marx discusses the difficulty his method of abstraction entails and encourages readers to challenge their preconceived conceptions of the world. He emphasizes that his theoretical tools are aimed at helping the working class overthrow capitalism, and that the reader he presupposes is a member of the working class. He also explains his focus on England as the chief ground for studying capitalist production due to historical, material, and social reasons.
The complexity of capitalist societies
Marx acknowledges that the laws of capitalist production were most evident in England due to its advanced manifestation of capitalism. However, he also recognizes that British society was not completely defined by capitalism and that inherited evils from previous modes of production still persist. Marx highlights the coexistence of different modes of production in capitalist societies and emphasizes the necessity for workers in other countries to learn from each other to facilitate transformation.
Political agency and transformative possibilities
Marx asserts that individual people are personifications of economic categories and that the class struggle aims to transform social systems rather than individuals. He acknowledges the evidence of radical change in the existing relations of capital and labor, but emphasizes that these indications are not guarantees of immediate transformation. Marx wrote Capital to empower working and oppressed peoples to determine the direction of change, reminding readers to follow their own path and let the people determine the outcome.
Conclusion
Marx's preface to Volume 1 of Capital sets the stage for his analysis of capitalism and its impact on society. He highlights the importance of understanding economic laws, critiques the structures of capital, and emphasizes the agency of the working class in transforming social relations. Through his study of England as a case study, Marx reveals the complexity of capitalist societies and the need for international cooperation and learning among workers for effective transformation.
In the preface to the first edition of volume one of Capital, dated July 25, 1867, Marx introduces the book’s “ultimate aim”: “to lay bare the economic law of motion of modern society”. Looking back 155 years later, it’s clear the book not only accomplished that aim but continues to do so today.
In a few short pages, Marx introduces the method he used to study and present his research into the dynamics of capitalism, explains the reasons why he focused on England, distinguishes between modes of production and social formations (and by doing so refutes any accusations of his theory of history as progressing linearly through successive stages), identifies the capacities he’s assuming of the reader, affirms he’s interested in critiquing the structures of capital and not the individuals within it, and explains that the main function of the book is to help our class intervene in the constantly changing capitalist system.
Read the full article here: https://www.liberationschool.org/marxs-first-preface-to-capital/
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
