Marxist Principles of Socialism

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Marxist political theory?

The concept of sovereign individual

Social change and revolutionary reconstitution of society (correct)

The evolution of the community

Moral development of individual

What was the primary focus of Marxism up to the First World War?

Critique of present socio-economic and cultural conditions

Contemporary perspective of political theory

Philosophy of socio-political changes culminating in revolutionary action (correct)

Empirical-scientific perspective of political theory

What is the term used to describe the Marxist perspective that emerged during the inter-War period and post-Second World War?

Contemporary Marxism (correct)

Classical Marxism

Orthodox Marxism

Reformist Marxism

What are the three interrelated elements of Marxism?

Examination and critique of the present and past societies, social change, and revolutionary reconstitution of society Signup and view all the answers

What is the central theme of liberal political theory?

Individualism Signup and view all the answers

Who is associated with the development of Austro-Marxism?

Austro-Marxists Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following individuals is NOT associated with prominent contributions to Marxist thought?

Max Weber Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key aspect of Contemporary Marxism?

Critique of superstructure and ideology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Marxism up to the First World War?

Focus on superstructure and ideology Signup and view all the answers

What led to the break in the long spell of classical thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero?

The Renaissance and Reformation in Europe Signup and view all the answers

What is the approach of classical political theory towards the community?

It considers the community as an organic whole Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the empirical approach to political theory developed in America?

Empirical Enquiry Signup and view all the answers

What is the core idea behind liberal political theory?

The state comes into existence by mutual consent for the sole purpose of preserving and protecting individual rights Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the state according to liberal political theory?

To preserve and protect individual rights Signup and view all the answers

What is the key feature that distinguishes liberal political theory from classical political theory?

Emphasis on individualism Signup and view all the answers

Who is associated with the development of the Frankfurt school?

Herbert Marcuse Signup and view all the answers

What is the central concept of Marxist political theory that emphasizes the common ownership of the means of production?

Dialectical materialism Signup and view all the answers

According to Marxist theory, what is the primary role of the state in a class divided society?

An instrument of class domination Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of Marxist political theory?

To create a classless and stateless society Signup and view all the answers

What is the key factor that leads to the revolution and the establishment of a socialist state in Marxist theory?

The growing impoverishment of the proletariat Signup and view all the answers

What is the Marxist view on the nature of rights, liberty, equality, and justice in a class divided society?

They are privileges of the propertied class Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the concept of 'modes of production' in Marxist political theory?

It examines the relationship between classes and production Signup and view all the answers

What is the Marxist view on the relationship between the proletariat and the capitalist class?

They are mutually exclusive and antagonistic Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the concept of 'class struggle' in Marxist political theory?

It examines the conflict between different classes over resources and power Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dialectical Materialism and Historical Materialism

Dialectical materialism and historical materialism aim to create a society based on the common ownership of the means of production.
This society will be classless and stateless, allowing human potential to freely develop.

Marxist Political Theory

Central themes: modes of production, class division, class struggle, property relations, revolution, and state as an instrument of class domination.
Examines the nature of rights, liberty, equality, justice, and democracy in a class-divided society.
Real liberty and equality can be achieved only in a classless and stateless society.
Marxist political theory aims to establish a socialist state through revolutionary action.

Influences on Marxist Theory

Enriched by revolutionaries, philosophers, academicians, and politicians, such as Lenin, Bukharin, Stalin, Rosa Luxemburg, Gramsci, Lukacs, and others.

Liberal Perspective

Emerged in Europe after the Renaissance and Reformation, and the Industrial Revolution.
Found classical expression in the writings of Grotius, Hobbes, Locke, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Jeremy Bentham, J.S.Mill, and Herbert Spencer.
Central theme: individualism.
The liberal theory declares that the state is not a natural institution but comes into existence by mutual consent for the sole purpose of preserving and protecting individual rights.

Different Interpretations of Marxist Perspective

Marxist political theory focuses on social change and revolutionary reconstitution of society.
Consists of three interrelated elements: an examination and critique of present and past societies, and a variety of interpretations.
Influential contributors to Marxist thought include Lenin, Bukharin, Stalin, Rosa Luxemburg, Gramsci, Lukacs, and others.

Other Perspectives of Political Theory

Empirical-scientific perspective: developed in America, also known as empirical enquiry in political theory.
Contemporary perspective: concerned with the problems of superstructure, culture, art, aesthetics, ideology, alienation, etc.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental principles of Marxist socialism, including dialectical materialism and historical materialism. It delves into the concept of a classless society based on common ownership of the means of production, where human potential can freely develop.