Marxist etymology

Etymology

The term "Marxist" is derived from the name of German philosopher and economist Karl Marx (1818-1883), who is widely regarded as the founder of Marxism.

Meaning

Marxism is a social, economic, and political theory that emphasizes the struggle between classes, particularly the working class (proletariat) and the capitalist class (bourgeoisie). It advocates for the overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of a classless, egalitarian society based on collective ownership.

Origin

Marxist theory evolved from the work of Marx, particularly his writings in collaboration with Friedrich Engels. Key works include:

  • The Communist Manifesto (1848): A pamphlet outlining the basic principles of Marxism and calling for a revolution by the working class.
  • Capital (1867): A three-volume work that analyzes the capitalist mode of production and its inherent contradictions.
  • The Critique of the Gotha Programme (1875): A critique of the German Social Democratic Party's program, which argued for a gradual transition to socialism.

Core Concepts

  • Historical materialism: The belief that society's economic base (mode of production) determines its political, social, and cultural institutions.
  • Class struggle: The idea that society is divided into classes with conflicting interests, which leads to social conflict.
  • Surplus value: The difference between the value created by workers and the wages they receive, which is appropriated by capitalists as profit.
  • Alienation: The separation of workers from their work, products, and community under capitalism.
  • Proletarian revolution: The belief that the working class will ultimately overthrow the capitalist class through a socialist revolution.

Marxism has influenced a wide range of ideologies, political movements, and social policies, including socialism, communism, and the welfare state. It remains a significant intellectual force in social sciences and political discourse today.

Marxist relate terms

  • Marxism

    Etymology The term Marxism is derived from the name of the German philosopher and socio

  • Marxist

    Etymology The term Marxist is derived from the name of German philosopher and economist

  • reactionary

    Meaning and Origin Reactionary etymology refers to the phenomenon where a word s etymo

  • advocate

    Etymology The word advocate comes from the Latin word advocare which means to call

  • Bolshevik

    Etymology Bolshevik comes from the Russian word большевик bol shevik which

  • exponent

    Etymology The word exponent comes from the Latin word exponere which means to set

  • radical

    Etymology Derived from the Latin word radix meaning root Meaning Fundamental

  • alone

    Etymology Old English ānlīen solitary Proto West Germanic ainli solitary Pro

  • symptom

    Etymology Ancient Greek σύμπτωμα sýmptōma meaning incident concomitant

  • seedy

    Etymology The word seedy comes from the Middle English word seed which itself deriv