Historical Determinism and Marxism Theory Essay Example

Introduction

Marxism theory is written and presented by famous Karl Max. He argued that history is arranged in advance (Sherman, 61). He says that history is always taking a certain course. He gives an example that the government of the working class develops into a free market system (capitalism). This capitalism evolves into socialist which cares more about the human needs. Socialism finally changes into communism which is a system where resources are owned by the people (community) and that people work and make their contribution to the common pool of resources. This theory is wrong because studying world politics, it is evident and very clear that most systems don't change. They keep their culture of politics i.e. China, Russia, Cuba have been practising communism for a very long time without changing their system The same happens in the capitalist's systems like America

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The labour theory of value

Marxism argues that in production, human labour is the only thing that is useful and of great significance to the happiness of the manufacturer. Marxism ignores the role of demand and supply of a good in the market. I think Marxism is wrong in this because demand is about how people prefer using a certain good or service. When the people are many, the good's value goes up and hence prices. Supply equally affects the value of a good in the market. When the supply is low, many people are not able to enjoy a certain service or product, hence the value goes up for the people who are privileged enough to get the same. This labour theory value is not enough for criticizing capitalism (Cohen, 339)

Marx says that the style of the economy determines the way the people are ruled. He says that the people who are in control of any economy are the rulers of the same. Nobody can ever go against their thoughts and views and that the people cannot survive without their input. This argument is not right in my view. This is because studying the system of governance today in many countries, one is able to see that the theory is not just applicable. Taking America where there are institutions that are independent and have control over the state of affairs in the county. The judicial system in America determines cases based on the evidence presented by the prosecution without any control by the economic elites in the nation. The Media in America and many other countries can criticize the ruling elites, investigate the source of wealth of both businessmen and politicians and disclose this to the public with ease. Musicians or artists can release a song or any form of art that is critical to the ruling elite or even business barons. Again there are so many people in the workplaces that are employed in good terms and have a say on the day to day running of their organizations. Through their unions, their voices are heard by their employers who are powerful and are in control of the economy. Some employers are even sued by their employees in the event of any breach of contract.

Theory of Surplus value

Marxism argues that in a capitalist system, the people are made to work in a manner that does not measure up with their pay. They are being paid much less. Their employers are only interested in making huge profits and consequently becoming wealthy yet their employees remain poor. They, therefore, behave like thieves (Eatwell, 288). In my view, this is not always true in a capitalist system even though it happens more often than not. There are some organizations in this system that pay very well and want their employees to be comfortable.

References

Sherman, Howard. "Marx and determinism." Journal of Economic Issues 15.1 (1981): 61-71.

Cohen, Gerald A. "The labour theory of value and the concept of exploitation." Philosophy & Public Affairs (1979): 338-360.

Eatwell, John. "Controversies in the theory of surplus value: old and new." Science & Society (1974): 281-303.