Skip to main content

How can The Communist Manifesto be used to achieve social justice?

In order to answer this question, we must first examine the term "social justice" and establish its meaning. "Social Justice," although a concrete definition is never really given when its used in conversation, can be described as complete economic equality for all individuals who are members of that society. Through Communism, this is essentially achieved when money is collected and evenly distributed to everyone by the government. Marx believed that the right to own private...

In order to answer this question, we must first examine the term "social justice" and establish its meaning. "Social Justice," although a concrete definition is never really given when its used in conversation, can be described as complete economic equality for all individuals who are members of that society. Through Communism, this is essentially achieved when money is collected and evenly distributed to everyone by the government. Marx believed that the right to own private property did not exist, because property and money was generated by work that everyone did; Thus, the rich few should not be able to profit off of the work of others, while still paying them the minimum wage acceptable for them to exist. Under communism, individuals would be free from long working hours due to increased automation. Then, they would be free to pursue their creative passions. In addition, it would eliminate the division between workers and owners, and make the means of production common, rather than privately owned. This would get rid of scarcity and would allow people to focus on the social aspects of their lives, and not fight for survival. The capitalist state would be rendered useless, and everything would be decided not by public institutions but by a true democratic process. 

Popular posts from this blog

In chapter one of The Great Gatsby, what advice does Nick's father give him? How does this make him a good person to tell this story?

Nick says that his father advised him that, before "criticizing anyone," he "remember that all the people in this world haven't had the same advantages" as Nick.  As a result, Nick claims that he is "inclined to reserve all judgments," presenting himself to the reader as a fair and dispassionate arbiter of character, and thus, a reliable narrator.   The problem is that Nick immediately reveals himself as anything but reliable, as he then launches... Nick says that his father advised him that, before "criticizing anyone," he "remember that all the people in this world haven't had the same advantages" as Nick.  As a result, Nick claims that he is "inclined to reserve all judgments," presenting himself to the reader as a fair and dispassionate arbiter of character, and thus, a reliable narrator.   The problem is that Nick immediately reveals himself as anything but reliable, as he then launches into a discussion of how pe...

How did the United States become an imperial power?

"Imperial power" is a bit of a vague label. It tends to mean several things at once, so let's unpack it. In the sense of "this country was built on conquest by force," the "imperial power" part of America actually predates the United States proper. The territories that would become the United States were imperial colonies, established by the great European empires of the 17th and 18th centuries. Much of the US Constitution and American governance generally goes back to England, history's largest and most successful imperial power, but vital aspects of American culture come from other imperial powers, such as France and Spain. Much of American culture comes from sources other than the old empires, but they were key influences on what the United States became. In the sense of "this country treats conquest by force as a fundamental component of its culture, economy and politics," the United States has always been an imperial power. Even earl...

How and why does James Gatz become Jay Gatsby? Describe the young Gatsby/Gatz.

James Gatz, a poor Midwestern boy of probable Jewish lineage, becomes Jay Gatsby, a presumed WASP and wealthy socialite, when he moves to New York City and acquires his fortune. It is wealth that has allowed Gatz to transform himself into Gatsby. However, those who know his background (e.g., Daisy and Tom Buchanan) never allow him to forget that he is nouveau riche -- that is, an upstart who has just recently made his fortune,... James Gatz, a poor Midwestern boy of probable Jewish lineage, becomes Jay Gatsby, a presumed WASP and wealthy socialite, when he moves to New York City and acquires his fortune. It is wealth that has allowed Gatz to transform himself into Gatsby. However, those who know his background (e.g., Daisy and Tom Buchanan) never allow him to forget that he is nouveau riche -- that is, an upstart who has just recently made his fortune, whereas they arose from well-to-do families. Gatz became Gatsby through determination and discipline. At the end of the novel, the narr...