Recently, I’ve been interested in different forms of government and the history behind them. I listed to episode #295 of the Lex Fridman Podcast yesterday, which is an interview with Richard Wolff. He is an economist / philosopher who believes in Marxism. He discussed Communism, Marxism, Stalinism, Capitalism, etc. This is me attempting to organize my thoughts on the matters of Communism and Marxism. I will attempt to be as impartial as possible (which is difficult as what Marx actually meant is heavily disputed) and outline each philosophy and its origins.

Marxism is a philosophical and economic theory Friedrich Engels and (but mostly) Karl Marx developed in the 1800s. Marxism can be defined according to its theoretical basis, its goals, and the means by which it means to achieve said goals.

1. Theoretical Basis

Marx believed that capitalism is inherently exploitative and conflict and struggle between classes is inevitable. He defines two classes which make up society: 1) the bourgeoisie / capitalists and 2) the proletariat / working class. His belief was that, in a capitalist system based on wage labor, the capitalist class’ natural incentive is to pay the working class less than the value they create. This is the basis of his theory of surplus value, which holds that labor is the driver of creation of wealth. However, in capitalism, the working class creates new wealth through their labor, yet aren’t paid the fair share of surplus value they create.

Marx’s theory of historical materialism postulates that a society’s culture and social facets are derived from its economics and the manner in which its economy functions, and therefore, social changes must be brought about by economic change.

2. Goals

One of the main goals of Marxism was to transition the means of production from the capitalist class to the working class, meaning the overthrow of capitalism. This meant that the right to private property would be abolished and there would be an end to the exploitation of the working class. Marx believed this would give way to a socialist society. This socialist society would include the working class collectively and democratically controlling production, economic policy, etc. The collective establishment would operate based on the needs of the people and they would oversee the equal distribution of goods.

However, Marx believed this socialist society to be merely part of a transition period towards communism. The ultimate goal of Marxism is communism. Marx’s ideal version of communism was a complete abolishment of distinction and hierarchies based on status or class. It would be a stateless and moneyless system. There would be a collective ownership of resources, goods, and control. The distribution of goods would ideally have no impetus based on monetary value, and would solely be motivated by the needs of the people.

3. Means

Marx believed the overthrowing of the capitalist class and capitalism itself required revolutionary action on behalf of the working class. He believed this should take place in the form of organized strikes, unions, and uprisings. Then, once this had been achieved, The “dictatorship of the proletariat”, meaning complete control in the hands of the working class, would come into play through the suppression of the old ways of the ruling class and its social relations of production.

Marxism vs Communism

Both philosophies advocate for the public ownership and distribution of goods, as opposed to private ownership. However, Marxism is a specific philosophy which outlines how Marx believes communism can best be reached. Marxism is utilized by socialists and communists, although you don’t have to believe in marxism to believe in socialism or communism.