Discussion 12

The Marx Readings

Next week we will be discussing excerpts from the work of Karl Marx. To prepare for the discussion you should first read the handout entitled "The Inexorable System of Karl Marx" which gives an overview of the life and work of Marx. After reading this, you should then read the following sections of the ``Manuscripts of 1844'', which can be found in the Marx-Engels Reader:

``Estranged Labor'', pp. 70-81,
``The Meaning of Human Requirements'', pp. 93-101,
``The Power of Money in Bourgeois Society'', pp. 101-105.

You should then read the following sections from the ``Manifesto of the Communist Party'', which can also be found in the Marx-Engels Reader:

``I. Bourgeois and Proletarians'', pp. 473-483,
``II. Proletarians and Communists'', pp. 483-491.

This afternoon we will send you several thought questions for the discussion next week.

You may also find it helpful to read the entries on ``Alienation'' and ``Karl Marx'' in the Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, which can be found on line on your Novell Application Launcher or through the library's homepage.

As you read Marx, consider the following questions. You should at least write up some of your ideas about these questions and bring them to class on Monday for our discussion. These questions apply to the sections of the ``Manuscripts of 1844'' which you were asked to read.

1. This translation of Marx uses the words alienation and estrangement interchangeably. In the section ``Estranged Labour'', what are the ways in which Marx argues that labour is estranged or alienated? What types of estrangement does Marx discuss? What are the connections between estranged labour and private property?
2. In the sections ``The Meaning of Human Requirements'' and ``The Power of Money in Bourgeois Society'', Marx talks about the need for money and the nature of money. How does the need for money contribute to the alienation of labour as described in the section ``Estranged Labour''? What does Marx mean when he says money is the "visible divinity" and the "common whore"? (page 104)
3. How do these ideas apply to today's society?
4. In the ``Bourgeois and Proletarians''' chapter of the Manifesto, Marx provides a history of society from antiquity until the victory of the proletariat over the bourgeiosie. How, according to Marx, do the bourgeois and proletariat classes arises? What is their relationship to each other?
5. In the ``Proletarian and Communists'' chapter of the Manifesto, Marx describes these two groups. How do they differ? He also provides an outline of the Communists' agenda, which includes the complete overthrow of the bourgeoisie and private property. What will be the results of the Communist takeover and why will these be the results?

The Marx common event will take place Thursday, November 18, at 8 PM in Haberlin 103. This is a mandatory event.