Principles of Marxism
1. Dialectical Materialism: Feuerbach’s materialism and Hegel’s dialectical technique are combined in dialectical materialism, the conceptual foundation of Marxism. According to this theory, reality is always changing and growing as opposing forces come into play. Dialectical materialism asserts that our beliefs and social structures are shaped by material conditions, placing matter before consciousness. Contradictions in nature and society are resolved through the dialectical process of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, which promotes historical development.
2. Historical Materialism: Dialectical materialism’s tenets are applied by historical materialism to comprehend history and society. It holds that a society’s social and political structures—such as its laws, conventions, and beliefs—are shaped by its economic elements, such as the means of production and the interpersonal dynamics among workers. According to historical materialism, modifications in the production process of goods cause societal transformations that give rise to new social classes and organisational structures.
3. Theory of Surplus Value: In Marxist economics, the Theory of Surplus Value is central. As outlined in Karl Marx’s “Das Kapital,” it holds that employers exploit workers by paying them less than the value of their labour. Workers produce more value than they’re compensated for, and the excess (surplus value) becomes the capitalist’s profit. This surplus value fuels the growth of wealth and capital.
4. Class Struggle: Marxism’s key motivating factor is class struggle. It’s the continuous struggle between various socioeconomic groups with opposing objectives and passions. The proletariat, or people who labour for wages, and the bourgeoisie, or people who own and operate enterprises, are the two main contending classes in capitalist countries. Marxists think that this class conflict is a natural byproduct of capitalism and that it will ultimately result in the revolutionary destruction of the current social structure.
5. Revolution: Marxists hold that the only path to socialism and the destruction of capitalist regimes is revolution. According to them, revolution is the last phase of the struggle between the bourgeoisie and the working class, in which the former takes over the factories and companies and the latter rebels against the former. Marxists believe that to establish a society in which there are no classes and everyone is treated equally, revolution is required.
6. Dictatorship of the Proletariat: The dictatorship of the proletariat is a step towards communism that follows capitalism. The working class is in charge of the government at this moment. Marxists contend that to implement the necessary reforms for a socialist society and prevent the rich class from retaliating, this control is necessary. The working class leads the way to assist the majority of people under the dictatorship of the proletariat, in contrast to capitalist countries where the affluent class controls everything.
7. Communism: Marxism’s ideal society, in which there is no need for class distinctions or government, is embodied in communism. Rather, everyone shares ownership of the production resources and provides what they need while also contributing what they can. People may now focus on their passions without worrying about exploitation or oppression, and inequity is eliminated.