Das kapital

Definition

'Das Kapital' is a foundational theoretical text in communist philosophy, economics, and politics written by Karl Marx. This work critiques political economy and aims to explain the capitalist mode of production, including how it generates wealth and social relations. It is essential in understanding Marx's analysis of capitalism, labor theory of value, and class struggle, which have significantly influenced various fields like sociology, political science, and economic theory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Das Kapital' was published in three volumes, with the first volume released in 1867, followed by the second and third volumes posthumously published in 1885 and 1894.
2. Marx's analysis in 'Das Kapital' focuses on how capitalism operates through the exploitation of labor and the mechanisms by which capitalists extract surplus value from workers.
3. The work is structured into several sections that examine commodities, money, labor, capital, and the dynamics of capitalist production and circulation.
4. Marx's critique highlights not only the economic processes of capitalism but also its social implications, including alienation and inequality experienced by workers.
5. 'Das Kapital' has had a profound impact on various political movements and ideologies around the world, becoming a key text for socialist and communist thought.

Review Questions

• How does 'Das Kapital' define surplus value and its significance within the capitalist system?
  • 'Das Kapital' defines surplus value as the excess amount that capitalists earn beyond what they pay workers for their labor. This concept is crucial because it highlights how capitalists profit from the labor force without directly compensating them for the full value they create. The extraction of surplus value leads to the accumulation of wealth among the bourgeoisie while contributing to worker exploitation and inequality within capitalist societies.
• Discuss how 'Das Kapital' contributes to our understanding of class struggle and its implications for societal change.
  • 'Das Kapital' emphasizes class struggle as a fundamental aspect of societal development. Marx argues that the conflict between the bourgeoisie, who own the means of production, and the proletariat, who sell their labor, drives historical change. This struggle not only reveals the inherent contradictions within capitalism but also serves as a catalyst for revolutionary movements aimed at establishing a more equitable society. By analyzing these dynamics, Marx provides insights into how economic systems can lead to social transformations.
• Evaluate the relevance of 'Das Kapital' in contemporary discussions about capitalism, inequality, and labor relations.
  • 'Das Kapital' remains highly relevant today as it provides a critical framework for analyzing modern capitalism's impact on inequality and labor relations. The principles outlined by Marx continue to resonate with current debates on wealth distribution, workers' rights, and corporate power. In light of ongoing economic disparities and labor exploitation in various industries, Marx's critique encourages re-evaluation of capitalist structures and advocates for systemic change to address these pressing issues in society.

Related terms

Surplus Value: 'Surplus value' refers to the difference between what workers are paid for their labor and the value of the goods or services they produce, which is a central concept in Marx's critique of capitalism.

Dialectical Materialism: 'Dialectical materialism' is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of material conditions and class struggle as the driving forces of historical development, forming the basis for Marxist theory.

Class Struggle: 'Class struggle' is the conflict between different classes in society, particularly between the bourgeoisie (capitalists) and the proletariat (workers), which Marx argues is a central aspect of social change and history.