Marx and the Human Condition

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of Marxist philosophy. Specifically, the paper discusses how and why Karl Marx enlightens us on the human condition. According to the paper, Marx had definitive ideas on the human condition, and he wrote about them consistently as one of his more compelling themes.

From the Paper:

"In the human condition Marx sees, there is no room for private property, everything should benefit the whole. He feels private property creates a "political economy" full of greed and corruption, and that the human condition is miserable in these conditions. With his feelings on labor and capitalism, he sees the human condition as an animalistic condition filled with hard work, despair, and little hope. Only equality through Communism and a renouncing of possessions can change this hopeless human condition according to Marx. This condition also alienates the natural world and removes any true purpose from life. Marx feels society is drowning because of this hopelessness and lack of equality. Smith, on the other hand, feels society can feel and give to its less successful members. He writes, "That we often derive sorrow from the sorrow of others is a matter of fact too obvious to require an instances to prove it; for this sentiment, like all the other original passions of human nature; is by no means confined to the virtuous and humane" (Smith 65). Thus, Smith sees a far different world than Marx, and a far different division of labor. Briefly, Smith sees hope while Marx sees hopelessness in the human condition. He knows that while people may never experience the actual suffering the poor and hopeless do, he will still empathize with the suffering as if it were his own."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Marx, Karl. "From Economico-Philosophical Manuscripts of 1844."
• Marx, Karl. "Manifesto of the Communist Party."
• Smith, Adam. "Of the Propriety of Actions Consisting of Three Sections."

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