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In The Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx and Frederick Engels discuss the influence of economic factors on human nature and history. Marx argues that class struggles shape history, with economics being the root of class distinctions. The Manifesto portrays history as a sequence of clashes between oppressor and oppressed classes, resulting in societal transformations when advancements in technology empower the oppressed. Marx recognizes different social classes throughout history and cautions against the possibility of both classes being annihilated during periods of intense class conflict.
Freud, in Civilization and Its Discontents, delves into human nature from a psychological standpoint, examining the intricacies of the human mind.
In the modern age, Marx contends that class conflict becomes more straightforward and intense, causing society to divide into two opposing groups: the bourgeoisie and proletariat. The bourgeoisie, as the dominant capitalist class, suppresses the proletariat in order to grow capital. As capitalism progresses, more individuals are forced into the proletariat, heightening polarization. Marx anticipates that this oppression will incite a revolt by the proletariat, toppling the bourgeoisie's dominance and establishing a socialist regime.
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Through socialist measures, economic equality will be championed and the bourgeoisie disempowered, ultimately leading to communism. Under socialism and communism, Marx envisions a move from competition to collaboration among people.
Marx argues that economic factors are the main driving force behind human thought and action, suggesting that changes in material production lead to changes in intellectual production. He believes human consciousness is determined by economic status, with philosophy, religion, and culture reflecting the dominant class's control over the economic system.
While some see this as a grim view of humanity, Marx envisions under communism society transcending class conflict and oppression when everyone's basic needs are met. Despite being motivated by economics, humans can strive towards a society free from economic exploitation according to Marx's optimistic perspective on human nature.
Freud's perspective on human nature, as expressed in Civilization and Its Discontents, differs significantly from that of Marx. He critiques Marx's notion, arguing that removing economic disparities does not eliminate the innate drive for aggression. According to Freud, aggression is inherent in human beings due to a complex interplay of life instincts and destructive impulses. He believes that conflict and oppression stem from individuals' psychological composition, suggesting that a transformation into communist ideals is unattainable.
Marx and Freud have differing perspectives on the evolution of society. Marx believes that capitalism will eventually lead to communism, but Freud disagrees. He argues that human nature is inherently conflicting, with aggressive desires that are destructive to society. Freud suggests that reducing conflict requires understanding the human mind and the clash between individual desires and societal demands. He does not advocate for a complete societal overhaul like Marx. Instead, Freud believes that addressing human conflict and aggression requires introspection. In his work, Freud reflects on how society can overcome the challenges posed by the instinct of aggression and self-destruction in humans.
Freud acknowledges human aggressiveness as a trait that must be continually overcome, rather than offering radical solutions. He admits, '...I have not the courage to rise up before my fellow-men as a prophet, and I bow to their reproach that I can offer them no consolation...' (Freud 111). While Freud does not envision a utopian society, he suggests the potential for improvement in human condition and society, with a warning about the limitations in overcoming destructive instincts. On the other hand, Marx presents a radical philosophy that views conflict as a constant in human existence. He believes aggressive tendencies will cease in a communist society, which he sees as an inevitable outcome of capitalism. This optimistic aspect of Marx's philosophy contrasts with the view that without communism as the end goal or efforts to reduce conflict beforehand, humanity remains trapped in perpetual discord. If Marx's historical perspective is accurate, there is little optimism in his portrayal of human nature.
Works Cited
Freud, Sigmund. Civilization and Its Discontents. Ed. James Strachey. New York: W.W. Norton, 1961.
Marx, Karl and Frederick Engels. The Communist Manifesto. New York: International Publishers, 1994.
Economic Factors and Human Nature: Marx vs. Freud. (2016, Jun 18). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/marx-and-freud-comparing-their-views-of-human-nature-essay
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