Marxism is a complex and influential philosophy based upon the theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and is widely seen as one of the most influential philosophies in human history (and certainly the most influential anti-capitalist philosophy) Marxist theory is generally oriented around several major points:
- Society is generally divided into different 'classes' based on people's relationship to the means of production, whether they work on it (the proletariat) or they own, control and reap the benefits of it (the bourgeoisie).
- These classes are perpetually in conflict. For example, under capitalism, the bourgeoisie is happier to earn more profit so they cut wages and increase rents, which hurts the proletariat. Whilst the proletariat is happier to earn more in wages and having reduced rents, achieved through methods like strikes.
- Capitalism is therefore perpetually in conflict with itself, not to mention business needs to constantly grow and innovate, leading to a falling rate of profit.
- The conflict cannot be resolved without a revolution which would eliminate class distinction by bringing in common ownership and production for use, a communist society.