Marx’s Theory of Materialism and Alienation
1. The Materialist Conception of History
The mode of production of material life conditions the general process of social, political, and intellectual life. It is not the consciousness of men that determines their being, but, on the contrary, their social being that determines their consciousness. At a certain stage of development, the material productive forces of society come into conflict with the existing relations of production or – this merely expresses the same thing in legal terms – with the property relations within the framework of which they have operated hitherto. From forms of development of the productive forces, these relations turn into their fetters. Then begins an era of social revolution. With the change of the economic foundation, the entire immense superstructure is more or less rapidly transformed.
This excerpt from Marx’s Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy summarizes his theory of historical materialism. The central idea is that human existence is shaped by the economic system in which they live. Marx argues that “it is not the consciousness of men that determines their being, but, on the contrary, their social being that determines their consciousness.” In other words, individuals’ thoughts, actions, and lives are not autonomous but are directly related to their economic and social context. Only by changing the economic foundation can human beings be transformed.
According to Marx, the internal contradictions of the capitalist system will lead to its collapse. The inequality and injustice inherent in the economic base are the engines of economic and social change, responsible for transformations in the cultural and ideological superstructure.
Key Terms:
- Consciousness: In Marxist philosophy, consciousness refers to the set of mental representations and ideas related to an individual’s social class. It is not pure rationality but an economic and social construct. Consciousness is not prior to society but derives from it.
- Social Being: Social being encompasses the activities and relationships that define an individual’s place within the mode of production and, consequently, their social class. It consists of how individuals behave and interact with others and how that interaction affects them.
- Productive Forces: These are the elements involved in the production process. In the capitalist system, they consist of the labor provided by the proletariat and the means of production owned by the bourgeoisie.
- Relations of Production: This is the organized system of human relationships within each mode of production. It shapes the fundamental economic organization of society and the relationships between different social classes.
- Superstructure: The superstructure comprises the cultural, legal, political, and religious aspects of society. It is generated by the infrastructure (economic base) and serves to justify, explain, and legitimize it. It can also play an ideological role, concealing the class conflict that underlies society.
2. Alienation Under Capitalism
Marx also critiques the concept of alienation, which he inherited from Hegel and Feuerbach. Alienation is the process by which individuals become estranged from their true selves and their potential. Marx believes that alienation occurs primarily through work. Under capitalism, labor, which should be a fulfilling activity, becomes a source of dehumanization and enslavement.
Dimensions of Alienation:
- Alienation from Nature: Nature, which should be a common heritage, becomes private property and a raw material to be bought and sold.
- Alienation from Labor: Labor does not belong to the proletariat but to the bourgeoisie, who control it and extract the wealth it generates. Work becomes a mechanized and unfulfilling activity, leaving workers feeling estranged and exploited.
- Alienation from the Product of Labor: The product of labor does not belong to the worker but to the bourgeoisie, who sell it for profit. This widens the gap between the classes and further enslaves the worker.
- Alienation from Society: The alienation of labor creates social classes and fosters competition and inequality. Individuals see each other as rivals rather than partners, hindering the development of just and equitable social relations.
Marx argues that there is a direct relationship between alienation and private property. He advocates for the abolition of capital, which would lead to the disappearance of alienation. The desire for possessions and power would be replaced by a new relationship with nature based on love and trust.