Marxism: Origins, Core Ideas, and Critique of Capitalism
Karl Marx
Sources of Marxism
Marxism is not solely defined by the works of Marx, but also by his collaboration with Engels and the intellectual trends of their time.
Hegelian Left
Marx, while not a direct student of Hegel, was influenced by the Hegelian Left at the University of Berlin. Key figures included Ludwig Feuerbach (1804-1872), who bridged Hegelian idealism and Marx’s thought. Feuerbach emphasized a materialist turn in philosophy and the concept of alienation in religion. He critiqued Hegelian
Read MoreParsons’ Progressive vs. Proescuelas: A Comparative Analysis of School Systems
Parsons’ Progressive vs. Proescuelas
A Comparative Analysis of School Systems
Introduction
Parsons identifies two distinct school models: Progressive Schools and Proescuelas. These models are not chosen by students but are assigned based on social status.
Progressive Schools
Progressive Schools emphasize free education based on work and interest areas through integrated knowledge. They prioritize teamwork, cooperation, and continuous evaluation. These schools are typically associated with higher social
Read MoreFrench Revolution: Power, Law, and the People
No constitutional despotism. Sections seven, eight, and nine claim classical liberal principles: the typicality of offenses, the prohibition of analogy in criminal matters, the non-retroactivity of criminal law, and the presumption of innocence.
The adoption of an individualistic and contractarian scheme brings up two factors that require reformulation.
The first is the legicentrist right present in the Bill of Rights. Legicentrism is the point in the revolution mediating between individual and state.
Read MoreLabor Movement and Socialism: A Historical Journey
1. The Labor Movement: Beginnings to 1848
Poor working conditions (hard labor, low wages) and a low quality of life (lack of essential services) led workers to question their circumstances and initiate uprisings. One form of protest, known as Luddism, involved the destruction of machines, which workers blamed for their plight. Luddism spread across Europe during the first quarter of the 19th century. In response to these conditions, workers formed mutual aid associations, known as unions, which
Read MoreMarxist Critique of Capitalism: Infrastructure and Superstructure
Marxist Critique of Capitalism
Infrastructure and Superstructure
From the described contradiction and the supporting infrastructure arises a superstructure—a set of laws, cultural practices, and political forms serving a dual function: justifying and legitimizing the conflict while concealing it. From a Marxist perspective, the political and legal systems serve the interests of the wealthy, perpetuating exploitation. Politics, a privileged activity reserved for legal experts, supports a social order
Read MoreEuropean Integration and Decolonization in the 20th Century
European Integration and Decolonization
The European Union
Following World War II, deep mistrust permeated European relations. French Minister Robert Schuman’s call for joint control of coal and steel production marked the beginning of the European Union. The establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951, based on Schuman’s proposal, aimed to prevent future conflict by integrating these key industries. However, the Union’s peacekeeping role remained limited. The 1995 enlargement
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