Apsosc1140 90 Self Culture And Society Fall Winter 2018 2019

Apsosc1140 90 Self Culture And Society Fallwinter 2018 2019 Essay

Use only the Course Kit and class notes. A paper containing any information from the Internet will receive a grade of zero. Provide proper citations in the format suggested by your tutorial leader.

In the excerpt from Anti-Dühring entitled “Theoretical” Engels takes an historical materialist approach. He indicates that the capitalist mode of production is fundamentally contradictory and from this he traces a series of social and economic conflicts that follow inevitably from this basic contradiction.

In your essay, following an introduction that makes clear what will be done in the paper: 1. Establish what Engels means by historical materialism. 2. Explain the fundamental contradiction in capitalism. 3. Explain these two contradictions that arise from the fundamental contradiction: a) The contradiction “between the organisation of production in the individual factory and the anarchy of production in society as a whole” (Engels, p. 299). b) “The mode of production rebels against the mode of exchange; the productive forces rebel against the mode of production, which they have outgrown” (Engels, p. 302). 4. Conclude by briefly explaining what Engels envisions as the ultimate outcome of the historical development of capitalism.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The discussion of capitalism within Marxist theory often revolves around its inherent contradictions and how these contradictions propel historical development toward social change. Friedrich Engels, a close collaborator of Karl Marx, adopts a materialist perspective to analyze these contradictions, emphasizing the role of economic structures in shaping societal organization. This essay aims to explore Engels' conception of historical materialism, identify the fundamental contradiction in capitalism, examine the two contradictions arising from that core contradiction, and conclude with Engels' vision of capitalism's eventual trajectory.

Understanding Engels' Historical Materialism

Engels' concept of historical materialism posits that the material conditions of a society—specifically its economic basis—determine its social and political structures. Unlike idealist conceptions that attribute history to ideas or divine will, Engels asserts that the mode of production—how society produces the necessities of life—is the foundation upon which all societal features rest. Changes in the economic base lead to transformations in the superstructure, including laws, politics, and culture. This process, driven by class struggles emerging from contradictions within the mode of production, characterizes historical development.

The Fundamental Contradiction in Capitalism

The primary contradiction in capitalism, as Engels interprets, stems from the conflict between the social character of production and the private appropriation of profit. While workers collectively produce commodities, the ownership of the means of production—factories, land, machinery—is concentrated in a few capitalists. This creates an inherent conflict: the social nature of production contradicts the private ownership of that production, leading to exploitation and class struggle. This contradiction is fundamental because it underpins all lesser contradictions and conflicts within capitalist Society.

Contradiction 1: Organisation of Production vs. Anarchy of Production

The first contradiction arises between the organization of production within individual factories and the chaotic, uncoordinated nature of production across society. Inside a factory, production is organized efficiently, with a clear division of labor and managerial hierarchy. However, at the societal level, there is no central coordination; production is driven by independent enterprises seeking profit, leading to what Engels calls the “anarchy of production.” This disorganized coordination results in inefficiencies, economic crises, and overproduction, as individual firms cannot plan or regulate their activities in harmony with the entire economy.

Contradiction 2: Mode of Production vs. Mode of Exchange

The second contradiction is between the mode of production, which is based on capital accumulation and wage labor, and the mode of exchange, which is governed by money and markets. Engels notes that as productive forces develop, they outgrow the constraints of the existing mode of production. The productive forces—advanced machinery and technology—rebel against the capitalist mode that constrains their development. Simultaneously, the mode of exchange, governed by market forces, cannot fully accommodate the surplus value generated, leading to economic fluctuations and crises. These contradictions fuel the tendency toward systemic crises that threaten the survival of capitalism.

Engels' Vision of the Ultimate Outcome

Engels, following Marx's analysis, predicts that these contradictions will intensify over time, culminating in revolutionary upheaval. The working class, subjected to exploitation and increasingly conscious of their collective power, will overthrow the capitalist system. This revolution is expected to result in the abolition of private ownership of the means of production and the establishment of a socialist economy where production is collectively owned and planned to meet societal needs. Ultimately, Engels envisions a transition toward a stateless, classless society—communism—where contradictions are resolved, and human potential can develop freely.

Conclusion

Within Engels' framework, capitalism is characterized by inherent contradictions rooted in its economic structure. These contradictions—between the organization and chaos of production, as well as between the mode of production and exchange—generate crises, inefficiencies, and social conflicts. Engels' historical materialist view sees these contradictions as drivers of historical change, leading inevitably to revolutionary transformation. The eventual goal is a communist society free from exploitation and contradiction, reflecting the development of human freedom and equality.

References

• Engels, F. (1880). Anti-Dühring. International Publishers.
• Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1887). The Communist Manifesto. Penguin Classics.
• McLellan, D. (1980). Marx before Marxism. Harper & Row.
• McLellan, D. (1987). Marx and Science. University of Illinois Press.
• Smith, H. (2002). Theories of Capitalism. Routledge.
• Harvey, D. (2010). The Enigma of Capital and the Crises of Capitalism. Oxford University Press.
• Callinicos, A. (2004). Marxist Theory: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Lukács, G. (1971). The Young Hegel. Routledge & Kegan Paul.
• Wood, E. M. (2002). -democratic Capitalism and the Contradictions of Capital. Verso.
• Foley, D. (1986). Understanding Capital: Marx's Economic Theory. Harvard University Press.