Karl Marx

Question 1

Who was Karl Marx?

Answer 1

No socialist thinker has had more impact upon socialism than Karl Marx. He propounded a series of revolutionary ideas which in his works ‘The Communist Manifesto’ 1848 and ‘Das Kapital’ 1867.

Question 2

Which type of socialist was Karl Marx?

Answer 2

Karl Marx was a revolutionary socialist.

Question 3

What were Karl Marx’s beliefs about human nature?

Answer 3

Karl Marx believed that human nature was originally altruistic but has been contaminated by capitalism, instilling ‘false consciousness’
(thus revolution is necessary)

Question 4

What were Karl Marx’s beliefs about the state?

Answer 4

The existing liberal-bourgeois state is a tool of the dominant capitalist class, it must be destroyed by revolution and replaced by a socialist state
(thus ensuring equality of outcome through collective ownership)

Question 5

What were Karl Marx’s beliefs about society?

Answer 5

Capitalist society is sickening, yet defined by class interest and class conflict
(thus revolution is necessary)

Question 6

What were Karl Marx’s beliefs about the economy?

Answer 6

1. Capitalism is corrupt, inefficient and self destructive, so a revolution is necessary to build an economy based on collective ownership
   (ensuring equality of outcome)