Analyzing Karl Marx's Economic Determinism in Political Philosophy

This essay examines Karl Marx's theory of economic determinism, a core concept in his political philosophy. It explores how Marx believed the economic structure of a society, or its 'superstructure,' dictates the nature of its social, political, and cultural aspects, forming the 'substructure.' The essay delves into Marx's use of dialectical materialism, influenced by Hegel, to analyze the historical evolution of societies through their economic systems. It highlights the significance Marx placed on material conditions over human consciousness and ideas. The essay also presents critiques of Marx's determinism, particularly the argument that he overemphasized the economic factor, overlooking the impact of human nature and non-economic aspects of societal development. The essay references key thinkers and their work on the subject.

Running head: ECONOMIC DETERMINISM OF MARX
Economic Determinism of Marx
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Author Note

1ECONOMIC DETERMINISM OF MARX
Karl Marx was a political philosopher of the nineteenth century. Often considered as a
radical thinker, the political philosophy expounded by him is unique in all respects and marked
an important landmark in the evolution of political thinking. Born in Rhineland, in Germany in
1818, Karl Marx found himself attracted to communist thinking of political philosophy
(Barbalet). He is considered to be one of the most influential political thinkers of his time and
beyond. Karl Marx advocated the philosophy of communism, which was in complete contrast to
the existing power structure of the world at that time. This essay seeks to discuss about the
economic determinism approach of Karl Marx. He placed too much importance on the economic
structure of society, failing to take into cognizance the significance of other structures of society.
Kalr Marx was highly inspired by the works of Hegel and his theorization of Dialectical
Materialism. Hegel believed that the opinion of people put forth is known as the Thesis, the
counter to it is called the Antithesis and the conclusion reached by assessing both of them is
known as the Synthesis (MacGregor, 2015). Synthesis is the highest form of human knowledge.
Marx applied this Dialectical Materialism to his own concept of Historical Materialism.
Historical Materialism theorizes that economic development of society determines the nature of
society (MacGregor). The economic structure of the society was termed by Marx as the Super
Structure (Schmitt). It forms the foundation of the society, based on which all other aspects of
society, such as political, societal, cultural are determined. They form part of the Sub Structure
(Schmitt). As such, he opines that the economic conditions of the society, which determines all
other aspects of society. Marx gave more importance to the material structure of society than in
the concept of idea and human consciousness. He believed that it is the matter itself that shapes
the human conscience.

2ECONOMIC DETERMINISM OF MARX
An important critique levelled against Marx is that he placed too much significance on
the economic structure of society (Aronowitz). He believed that all the remaining aspects of the
social structure are dependent on the economy of a concerned society. He failed to recognize that
it is nature of the human beings of the society itself which determines the nature of the economy
(Aronowitz). The nature of individuals is a non-economic factor. For instance, private players
will always encourage the establishment of a capitalist society which will facilitate the
generation of higher profits. The socialist nature of people will aim to establish a socialist society
whose objective is to ensure that everyone has access to the minimum basic needs. Marx
concentrated on the historical evolution of the society based on the economic structure. He did
not analyze the deeper humane nature of mankind which forces them to rebel against an
oppressive society (Aronowitz). Wealth is not the be all and end all of all situations; it is merely
a facilitator for humankind. This is the reason that communism envisioned by Lenin in Russia
could never be achieved.

3ECONOMIC DETERMINISM OF MARX
References:
Aronowitz, Stanley. The crisis in historical materialism: Class, politics and culture in Marxist
theory. Springer, 2016.
Barbalet, Jack M. Marx's Construction of Social Theory (RLE Marxism). Routledge, 2015.
MacGregor, David. The Communist Ideal in Hegel and Marx (RLE Marxism). Routledge, 2015.
Schmitt, Richard. Introduction to Marx and Engels: a critical reconstruction. Routledge, 2018.