Marx and Hegel

Question 1

What philosopher highly influences Marx?

Answer 1

Hegel.

Question 2

What is the major work Hegel writes and when?

Answer 2

“Phenomenology of Spirit” in 1807.

Question 3

What is Hegel’s philosophy of history?

Answer 3

• ) History is rational and understandable.
• ) The most real thing to Hegel is “Spirit.” (Somewhat Platonist.)
• ) Reason/Absolute Spirit manifest itself throughout history.
• ) “spirit” = Freedom
• ) “matter” - gravity/Laws
• ) History is the progress of consciousness towards freedom.
• ) Its part of an evolutionary philosophy that, interestingly, eventually puts the philosopher as the highest evolutionary form.

Question 4

What parts of Hegel does Marx accept and which does he reject?

Answer 4

• ) Accept: The dialectic of conflict. He is a metaphysical materialist. Believes that the mode of production must be studied throughout history and that everything is driven by class struggle and economics. (Materialism.)
• ) Rejects: Hegel’s idealism. That there are truths that are based on particulars and not generals.

Question 5

What are the two classes Marx identifies?

Answer 5

1) Proletariat - property-less wage earners.

2) Bourgeoisie - Possess capital and the means of production.

Question 6

What major historical event is occurring in England when Marx publishes his Communist Manifesto?

Answer 6

The Industrial Revolution.

Question 7

When is the Communist Manifesto published?

Answer 7

1848.

Question 8

How does Marx see the revolution happening?

Answer 8

1) Raise the Proletariat into political power using the democratic methods used by the Bourgeoisie.
2) Then use the same legislative process to regain the power.