PHIL 231 Handout Mx3: The Materialist Conception of History

I. Alienation as a Theory of History

A. First approximation [as seen is The Holy Family]:
thesis = private property
antithesis = proletariat
synthesis = disappearance of both private property and the proletariat [i.e., communism].

B. "Theses on Feuerbach" criticizes F's passive materialism: Hegel had emphasized that mental activity changes the world. Marx will hold that practical activity changes the world.
      1. "Theses" are the source of the Marxist doctrine of the unity of theory and practice. This does not mean jotting down theoretical notes while cleaning your gun in preparation for revolution; nor does it mean living in accordance with one's principles [i.e., "if you're a socialist, you should share your wealth."] Unity of theory and practice refers to the resolution of theoretical problems [alienation] by practical means [revolution].
      2. The 11th thesis is engraved on Marx's tomb: "The philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is, to change it." This does not say that philosophical activity is worthless; it does imply that philosophical problems cannot be resolved without changing the world.

      C. The Beginning of History [see the German Ideology].
       

      1. contra Hegel: "Consciousness does not determine life; life determines consciousness."
      2. central idea: Materialist Conception of History is a theory of history in which practical human activity, rather than thought plays a crucial (determining?) role.
      3. humans are distinguished from animals primarily because humans produce their means of sustenance. This is what Marx calls the "first premise of history."
      4. morality, metaphysics, religion = ideologies. They are dependent on the forms of productive life of human beings.
      5. theme of alienation still persists: social power is created by humans but operates as a force outside of them. Only when modes of production and exchange are controlled by workers will alienation cease. Humans can't be free if they are subject to forces that determine their ideas, thoughts, and their essential nature.
      6. Materialist Conception of History = humans are subject to forces outside their understanding and control; but these forces are human productive powers. Human freedom depends upon transforming those powers such that they serve human ends, rather humans serving them.

II. The Structure and Mechanism of Historical Change

A. Materialist understanding of the structure of a society:
      1. Productive forces [things used to produce: labor power, raw materials, machines].
      2. Relations of Production [economic base: owning, hiring; "Jones is the employer of Smith"].
      3. Superstructure [ideas and ideology: religion, morality, law]
B. Example of the threefold structure: Feudalism:

Productive force = manual power, e.g., handmill
Relation of Production = lord/serf
Superstructure = Medieval Religion/morality
C. Production and historical transformation:
1. 3-stage process:
(1) Productive force determines (2) Relations of Production which (3) determines the Superstructure. (i.e., Superstructure is explained in terms of relations of production. Relations of production are explained in terms of productive force.) Example: Feudalism.
  2. Transformation occurs through change in productive force. [example, handmill to steam mill > lord/serf relation > capitalist/ worker relation > changes in religious, moral, and legal attitudes.

D. Problem: Determinism or Interactionism?