Marxism and Mill’s Liberalism: Society and Individual Liberty
Marx and Historical Materialism
Marx, like Comte and Mill, aimed to transform society and reduce inequality. Marxism, deeply tied to the labor movement, had significant social and political repercussions.
Sources of Marxism
- Hegelian Idealism: Marx opposed Hegel’s idealism, arguing that matter, not consciousness, drives reality.
- Feuerbach’s Materialism: Marx adopted Feuerbach’s materialist concept of alienation, where God is a human creation.
- Utopian Socialism: Thinkers who highlighted social injustices and advocated for reform, though considered utopian.
- Anarchism: Advocated for radical societal transformation, rejecting all forms of power.
- Liberalism: Viewed economic laws of capitalism as natural and necessary.
Historical Materialism and Dialectic
Marx argued that reality is dynamic, driven by modes of production (e.g., slavery, feudalism, capitalism) and relations of production (labor and economic ties). The infrastructure (modes and relations of production) determines the superstructure (customs, values, norms). Social classes arise from these relations, and socialism aims to end class divisions.
Historical Materialism analyzes social reality through the lens of production relations.
Dialectic views historical development as a process driven by internal contradictions within modes of production.
Alienation
Marx believed capitalism alienates workers from their labor. Workers don’t feel fulfilled as their labor only secures subsistence. Alienation arises when workers aren’t recognized or valued, and their work doesn’t reflect their true selves. This is evident in the surplus value extracted by the bourgeoisie, who own the means of production. Marx argued that these means should be socially owned.
Communism
Marx advocated for communism to liberate humans from exploitation. Capitalism would transition to a proletarian-led state, culminating in communism, the final stage of history. Communism involves:
- Abolishing private property
- Eliminating class divisions
- Collective ownership of the means of production
Limitations on Individual Liberties
Mill believed society should only interfere with individual conduct to prevent harm to others. Preserving civil liberties is crucial, even if individuals engage in self-harming behavior. Limitations on individual liberty include:
- Compulsory education
- Laws prohibiting excessive work hours
The state can promote happiness but must prioritize individual freedom. Mill rejected economic naturalism and supported cooperatives and limited inheritance to reduce economic disparities. He emphasized avoiding excessive control over individuals to prevent unhappiness.
Theory of Knowledge (Logic)
For Mill, logic is the theory of demonstration, examining how knowledge is obtained. Logic is instrumental, not providing knowledge itself. Knowledge is based on experience; there are no a priori or innate ideas. Truths are hypothetical, not absolute.