Das kapital

Definition

'Das Kapital' is a foundational text written by Karl Marx that critiques political economy and the capitalist system. In this work, Marx analyzes the ways in which capitalism functions, focusing on concepts like commodity production, labor value, and exploitation. The text is essential for understanding Marx's historical materialism, as it lays out the economic theories that underpin his critique of capitalism and its effects on society and class relations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Das Kapital' was published in three volumes, with the first volume released in 1867 and the subsequent volumes published posthumously by Engels.
2. The text critiques how capitalism prioritizes profit over human needs, leading to exploitation and inequality between classes.
3. Marx uses a dialectical approach in 'Das Kapital', analyzing contradictions within capitalism that he believed would ultimately lead to its downfall.
4. Key concepts introduced in 'Das Kapital' include commodity fetishism, where social relationships are masked by market relations, and the role of capital accumulation in perpetuating inequality.
5. 'Das Kapital' has had a profound influence on political theory, economics, and social movements globally, inspiring various interpretations and adaptations throughout history.

Review Questions

• How does 'Das Kapital' define surplus value and its significance in Marx's critique of capitalism?
  • 'Das Kapital' defines surplus value as the excess of value produced by labor over the wages paid to laborers. This concept is significant because it highlights how capitalists extract profit from workers without compensating them fully for their contribution. By emphasizing surplus value, Marx illustrates the exploitative nature of capitalist production and sets the stage for understanding class struggles between workers and owners.
• Discuss how historical materialism serves as a framework for analyzing capitalism in 'Das Kapital'.
  • 'Das Kapital' employs historical materialism as a lens to examine the economic structures of capitalism. This framework posits that material conditions—such as the means of production—shape societal relations and developments. Marx argues that changes in these material conditions lead to shifts in class dynamics and social organization, emphasizing that understanding capitalism requires an analysis rooted in its economic foundations and historical context.
• Evaluate the impact of 'Das Kapital' on modern economic thought and social movements.
  • 'Das Kapital' has significantly influenced modern economic thought by challenging classical economics and introducing critical perspectives on labor, value, and class relations. Its analysis of capitalist exploitation sparked various social movements advocating for workers' rights, socialism, and critiques of neoliberalism. The concepts outlined in 'Das Kapital' continue to resonate today, shaping discussions around inequality, economic justice, and alternative economic models that aim to address systemic exploitation.

Related terms

Historical Materialism: 'Historical Materialism' is a methodology developed by Marx that argues that material conditions and economic factors shape societal development and history, emphasizing the role of class struggle in this process.

Surplus Value: 'Surplus Value' refers to the difference between what workers are paid for their labor and the value of what they produce, which Marx argues is the source of profit for capitalists.

Alienation: 'Alienation' describes the separation of individuals from their work, the products of their labor, and each other within a capitalist system, leading to a loss of connection and fulfillment.