Ask a Marxist - Part I (w/ Harvey Kaye)
Movies vs. Capitalism
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Marxist Dialectic Materialism vs Hegelian Idealism
- The Hegelian dialectic is based on the conflict of ideas (thesis vs antithesis leading to synthesis).
- Marx adapted this to a materialist framework, focusing on class struggle, not just ideas, as the driving force of history (class vs class).
- The conflict isn't external but arises within the system itself. For example, within capitalism, the inherent contradictions and exploitation lead to class consciousness among workers.
- This class consciousness and resulting struggle can lead to various outcomes, from improved working conditions to systemic change.
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