Since Marx and Engels first wrote the Communist Manifesto in 1848 our world has undergone a number of significant transformations. We have seen the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, the emergence of new technologies, and the transformation of capitalism itself. And yet, Marx's philosophy remains relevant to today's world. Do you believe an age of communism, brought about by the proletariat revolution as predicted by Karl Marx, might still be awaiting us over the horizon? Why or why not?
- If you believe the revolution is still possible tell me what that revolution will look like. Who will lead it? What changes would our society undergo as we transition to communism? In what ways would we need to adjust or reconceptualize Marx's theory for our time?
- If you do not believe in the possibility of this revolution, explain what you believe is wrong with Marx's theory and why communism (as described by Marx) both never did and never will come to pass. You should carefully engage with and critique Marx's theory itself here. [Note: You should not simply point to the failures and atrocities of regimes that have acted in Marx's name. This, of course, can be a part of your critique as to why the revolution might not happen, however merely pointing to the failures of Stalin or Mao (or both) are not critiques of Marx's ideas. If you do choose to focus on the actions and short-comings of communist parties and their leaders, you need to show how these failures are the result of Marx's ideas themselves and/or how they have tainted Marx's ideas, making them unattractive to future generations.]
In your response please be sure to discuss the following: the base & superstructure, the means of production, the mode of production, the class struggle, class consciousness, & Marx's conception of private property.