Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Friedrich Engels, Vanguardism, Surplus Labour

• School: Western University
• Department: Political Science
• Course: Political Science 1020E
• Professor: Charles Jones

Document Summary

This lecture continues the discussion of karl marx"s contributions to socialist thought. We address marx"s analyses of exploitation (the extraction of surplus labour that is the source of capitalists" profits) and class struggle or conflict of interest founded on different actors" relation to the means of production. Marx offers two distinct accounts of the state, as the committee that manages the common interests of the bourgeoisie and as an independent actor with its own motivations distinct from the capitalist class. We conclude with a brief discussion of karl marx"s views on human nature, including his commitment to international workingmen"s solidarity and his claim that, fundamentally, human beings are creative producers. Friedrich engels was co-author (along with marx) of the manifesto of the communist party, and the developer of marxism after marx"s death in 1883. Engels exposes urban poverty and criticizes the prevailing subordination of women.