Status: Available

Marx and Marxism

The man, his ideas, and their consequences

Moderator: Kip Fonsh

Details

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the seminar is for participants to critically analyze the life, works, and lasting impact of Karl Marx.

DESCRIPTION:

The ideas of Karl Marx have had a major effect on modern history, determining the economic, political, and social lives of millions of people. From The Communist Manifesto (1848) through Capital (1867-72), Marx produced a body of work proposing a new way of thinking about labor and economics, with terms that have grown familiar, such as “the alienation of the worker” and “the proletarian revolution.” Together, we will consider some of these seminal ideas and the real-world consequences they engendered. Does history suggest that Marx was mistaken or correct in some of his theories? Or was he just misunderstood?

ROLE OF PARTICIPANTS: Participants will prepare a 30- to 45- presentation on some aspect of Marx’s life or thought, including the question whether Marxism has any relevance for the contemporary world.

RESOURCES:

Participants will find their own resources on Marx, his writings, his philosophy, and his main precepts.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR: Kip has moderated seminars on the Beats, The Beatles, Miles Davis, The Holocaust and others.