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Karl Marx

Definition

Karl Marx was a 19th-century philosopher, economist, sociologist, journalist, and revolutionary socialist. His ideas played a significant role in the development of social science and the socialist political movement. He is known for his theories about capitalism and communism.

Analogy

Think of Karl Marx as a movie director who wants to change how films are made. He sees problems with the current system (capitalism) and proposes a new way of doing things (communism).

Related terms

Communism: A political theory derived from Karl Marx advocating class war leading to a society in which all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs.

Capitalism: An economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods; investments that are determined by private decision; prices, production, and distribution of goods determined mainly by competition in a free market.

The Communist Manifesto (1848): A political pamphlet written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels where they discuss the philosophy and intent of communism.