Karl Marx and Capitalism Essay Example for Free

Karl Marx and Capitalism Essay In this paper I will examine how Karl Marx views capitalism and, more specifically, the criticisms he has regarding capitalism. In the first part of the paper I will reconstruct and explain the philosopher’s argument. In the second part of the paper I will offer my critical evaluation where I will demonstrate how these critiques are still appropriate in today’s society by providing examples of how capitalism is affecting the lives of American workers even today. However, I will first explain the definition and structure of capitalism. Capitalism is an economic system that is most common in the United States and much of Western Europe today. It is represented by privatization of companies for production of goods or services for a profit, competitive markets, and wage labor (â€Å"Capitalism†). These individual skills were initially developed from skills that grew out of the economic time period known as feudalism and has evolved into individuals who possess certain skills that can demand payment. Although this may seem like it would be an ideal situation for workers and provide a platform to provide a service in return for payment of some sort, it soon became evident that there were people who would use this new system of economics to their advantage. Instead of doing the work themselves, they would find skilled workers to provide the service or product under the umbrella of their organization to which they would market and sell the goods for profit. The business owner would make a profit and, in turn, pay the worker a portion for his services provided. Unfortunately, there were others who were unable to make the system work for them in such an advantageous manner. Karl Marx had two basic criticisms of capitalism – especially in his lifetime of the beginning of the industrial revolution and the formation of factories. His first was the thought that the worker suffered from alienation on several different levels. As a capitalistic society succeeds by gaining profit for the companies and business owners, the overall cost of goods needed to live also increases. If the wages earned by workers went up consistently with the profits of society and, thus, the increase in the cost of living, all would be good and balanced. However, that is not the case in most circumstances, in fact, as Marx points out, â€Å"the worker becomes an ever cheaper commodity the more goods he creates† (Johnson 261). In other words, as the production increases the cost to produce is lowered. The business owner sees those profits in the gross profit obtained by the sale of goods; however, the worker is generally not compensated in a fair and equitable manner. This turns a skill which may or may not have been a passion at one time into something that the worker is forced to do whether they desire to do so or not. Even if a worker enjoyed his occupation, chances are, he or she is being forced to comply with guidelines or standards set by someone else. As a worker you are still not truly free to produce your work according to your standards so you are, in essence, alienating yourself from the product of your work. According to Marx, capitalism has also produced an alienation from nature. He states that the capitalistic society conceals this alienation because it does not examine the direct relationship between the worker and production (Johnson 263). Essentially, the labor of the worker may produce wonderful and beautiful things for the wealthy individuals but oftentimes the working class population may never get to experience the beauty for themselves. Furthermore, the workers identity is often lost within their job and they do not have the means to express their individuality. This is identified by Marx as being alienated from yourself and from your labor. Most people do not proclaim their uniqueness in ways that focus around their occupation. Even in a highly sought after job you may, for a time, feel as if that encompasses who you truly are, but it is only a small part of your being – your essence. This also ties in to another alienation theme of Marx which is the alienation from your species as a human being. According to Marx, â€Å"the worker feels himself to be freely active only in his animal function – eating, drinking, and procreating, or at most also in his dwelling and in personal adornment – while in his human functions he is reduced to animal† (Johnson 264). In other words, as workers we are often free only when we are allowed to do what we want to do instead of what is demanded and required of us at our jobs. When this happens, we are often reduced to a more animalistic approach to fulfilling our needs. Finally, Marx contends that in a apitalistic society, the worker is alienated from others. Because there is so much competition in capitalism – which is the driving force for production and profits – it causes a hostile environment among workers. Many are competing for the same position or the same customer or account. This competition causes a friction within the frame of society that pits individual against individual which is what leads us into the next matter of contention with Marx in his views of capitalism which is exploitation. He claims that â€Å"private property has made us so stupid and partial that an object is only ours when we have it, when it exists for us as capital or when it is directly eaten, drunk, worn, inhabited, etc. , in short, utilized in some way; although private property itself only conceives these various forms of possession as means of life, and the life for which they serve as means is the life of private property – labor and creation of capital† (Johnson 266). People have become so materialistic in our capitalistic society that they are driven to all means by which to obtain their measures of status. Because of this, the workers are driven to give into demands made by their employers in order to make the wages necessary to maintain their standard of living. Since the workers are plentiful, the products are also plentiful, which discussed earlier creates a larger bottom line for the profit of the company or business owner. However, even though the profits are increased for the business owners of the capitalistic society, the wages are often not as high as the profit. Thus, the value of the product is high while keeping the value of the worker low. This is a classic example of exploitation. I think that the criticisms offered by Marx are still applicable in today’s society in the United States. I think that the worker is indeed alienated from his true identity as an individual. Before the onset of industrialized production there was a certain pride associated with one’s occupation; whether that was as a craftsman in wood, as a blacksmith, tailor, or bricklayer. No matter your profession, you were able to express your individuality and impart your character into the product of your work. Sadly, this is not the case with the workers of today. They are often subject to limitations and expectations that hinder their creative ability and they are forced to produce that are a poor representation of their ability or personality. Most people are forced into positions they don’t even want to be in professionally because they need to make a certain amount of money to pay for their wants and needs. This creates a frustration and dissatisfaction that reaches far beyond the walls of the factory or office. It is no wonder that most workers today dread Monday mornings and count the days until five o’clock Friday afternoon. Again and again, the energy level increases as the weekend approaches. There is a common sentiment that states everybody is simply working for the weekend. This is because workers are dissatisfied with their jobs and feel undervalued and taken advantage of in many circumstances. Once the workday ends, the freedom begins for the worker. This is often why the bars have a â€Å"happy hour† as this is where the worker can forget the troubles of the day and throw back a drink or two and finally relax. The economic conditions of living in an industrialized society has turned the ordinary worker into a materialistic consumer that generally far outreaches his or her ability to afford to keep up with the Jones’. Because many feel the pressure of this forced societal expectations to possess certain items, live in a certain neighborhood, d rive the right car all while wearing the right clothes and accessories we as workers in the United States have been put in the unfortunate and unbalanced position of much more want than means by which to provide it. As long as that continues, we are stuck in a cycle of never ending wants that never truly satisfy because they are not meeting what is truly needed in our lives. Marx claims that â€Å"the human being had to be reduced to this absolute poverty in order to be able to give birth to all his inner wealth† (Johnson 268). In a capitalistic society it is encouraged, and even necessary, to consume what is being produced in order for capitalism to continue to grow. Today’s worker can do this in moderation, without putting themselves or their families in such a position to further add to the frustration of meeting expectations and demands at a workplace that is unfulfilling to their existence. Furthermore, I think that labor unions were formed in the early 1900’s in order to protect workers from exploitation of greedy business owners. At the turn of the century, many workers were expected to work long hours almost every day of the week. There were unsafe working environments s well as high quotas being placed on workers from employers with minimal compensation to the workers. All of this was so the profits could rise as production was increased. There seemed no reason to pay more in wages by adding workers or in higher salaries for the existing employees when the business owners could simply demand more from their current workforce. Also, working conditions were often unsafe while trying to maximize workspace with the maximum number of workers without actually increasing the area being used. Because of labor unions working conditions have improved greatly for the worker in America; there are 40 hour work weeks with compensation for additional hours worked; guidelines have been implemented to make for safer working conditions; and there is more room for negotiation for fair wages without fear of retaliation by employers. Although labor unions are still in existence today, they have much less impact than they had in the past. Politicians are close bedfellows with the corporate executives across our nation and policies are ever changing to benefit the corporation and business owners while causing the worker to suffer the consequences. Even though there have been great improvements in regard to the criticisms of alienation and exploitation that Marx had against capitalism, I believe they still exist. Marx may have not been of this century but I feel his observations are still valid in today’s world.

Prepping Your Sources Essay Example for Free

Prepping Your Sources Essay Fill in the notes for the amendment and for each of the three categories (multi-media, contemporary cases, advocacy documents). If you need support for the citation, consult the MLA Formatting Guide you printed from the lesson. Amendment for your topic (from the Bill of Rights) Citation: http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/fourth_amendment What information from this source seems the most important? Note key points mentioned in the source. The most important part of the amendment is the right to be secure from unwarranted search and seizures. How does this source support your topic? It shows how the government can bend the will of this amendment in their favor but it also shows how this amendment can severely help the defendants when they are truly guilty. What information from this source would be most useful to include in your informative/explanatory article? The general right of the people to be protected from unwarranted search and seizures in their own homes by police and other law enforcement. One Multi-Media Resource (videos, slideshows, audio files, infographics) Citation: http://www.slideshare.net/jenvogt/fourth-amendment-and-racial-profiling-1 Key Use: I used it to better understand the fourth amendment rights. What information from this source seems the most important? Note key points mentioned in the source. How privacy rights are superseded by reasonable suspicion. How does this source support your topic? It helps me have a better understanding on the rights of the fourth amendments and right better able it. What information from this source would be most useful to include in your informative/explanatory article? The fact that your privacy is superseded by reasonable suspicion. Two Contemporary Case Resources (articles on recent case) #1 Citation Information: http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/pdf/13-132.pdf Key Use: Gives a whole overview of the Riley Vs. California case. What  information from this source seems the most important? Note key points mentioned in the source. The important information in this source is that a cop search Riley’s phone without a warranted and he was arrested on those charges. How does this source support your topic? It shows how unwarranted search and seizure leads to bad arrests and criminals get off the hook because of one mistake. What information from this source would be most useful to include in your informative/explanatory article? How the arrests happened and provide details about why and how the cop went about arresting riley. #2 Citation Information: https://www.eff.org/files/2014/06/20/patino_decision.pdf Key Use: Gives a full review of the case.  What information from this source seems the most important? Note key points mentioned in the source. How the evidence was once again taken from a cell phone. How does this source support your topic? It shows more examples of fourth amendment rights being violated. What information from this source would be most useful to include in your informative/explanatory article? How the search went, provide details, and references about the whole case. Two Advocacy Documents or Articles (document or article including statements from presidents, politicians, or advocates about the topic you selected) #1 Citation Information: http://billofrightsinstitute.org/resources/educator-resources/lessons-plans/landmark-cases-and-the-constitution/olmstead-v-united-states-1927/ Key Use: In the Olmstead case Chief Justice William Taft had said the amendment meant physically searches and seizures. What information from this source seems the most important? Note key points mentioned in the source. How Chief Justice William Taft had said the amendment meant physically searches and seizures. How does this source support your topic? It shows how the government still bends the amendment in their favor. What information from this source would be most useful to include in your informative/explanatory article?

Analysing the leadership style of richard branson

Analysing the leadership style of richard branson Just by observing the distance which Richard Branson has gone in the business world it is not difficult to decide him as an exceptional business leader. Here the attempt is to analyze his form of leadership using the major theories leadership. Words usually connected to Branson are creative, fun, anti-establishment, fast, opportunist, adventurer, the risk of Taker, warm, friendly, competitive, workaholic and hard negotiator. Those qualities are according to the trait theories of leadership, main characeristics of a successful leader. Richard Branson has a good leader-member relations and treats his employees respect, like his own family, even to the extent of giving invitations to his junior members for home for parties (Dearlove 2007). He always welcome the feedback and new ideas of the employees. The task structure of the Virgin is usually low since Branson gives his employees the freedom and initiative has to be creative. There are no established procedures, in which, things must be done (Nice, 2007). His organization is working on flat and non-hierachical stucture (NCE 2009), which is made of clusters, and given the flexibility to work independently without much interference (Dearlove 2007).These factors clearly show that his form of leadership is of much more democratic and participative nature. Position power he proves to be dominant thinker, and generally makes decision by himself (even NCE2009). When observing the contingency theory of Fiedler, it is clear that he belongs to intermediate type of leader wh o is task motivated and socio-independent (Durbin Dalglish Miller, 2006). Branson has strong contingency and situational leadership skills too. He has always looked for and uses every opportunity to create a new company to be viable. He is quite capable of controlling situations and also a high risk taker (Dearlove 2007). This reflcts the most dominat theory of leadership today i.e. situational theories. He follows different leadership styles and technics according to the situation and the context.This has been one of the most important features of Richard Bransons leadership (Durbin Dalglish Miller, 2006). He also shows the ability to implement changes quickly. Virgin Cola in the United States changed its strategy, management and location of its t-drinks business with emphasis on the theme New Age beverages like fruit juices and energy drinks, when he saw no prospect in the war against the Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola in the Cola Business (Dearlove 2007). The charismatic and transformational leadership Transformational leaders are also those that can adapt quickly to change (Bass, 1985). Branson has clearly demonstrated its flexibility and its success in adapting to changing organizational cultures, as he bought new companies and moved into new areas,along with his men. Literature clearly shows that the assessment of transformational leadership is positively correlated with the evaluation of managerial performance (Hater Bass, 1988), Recommendations for promotion (Waldman, Bass and Yammarino, 1990) and the percentage of the goals of the strategic busines units. (unit Avolio, 1999). According to Bass (1985) transformational leadership is more more likely to reflect sociall values and arise in times of distress and change , while transactional leadership is probably found in well-ordered, steady environment. Virgin is an organization that is focused on growth and constant change, thus suitable for transformational style. Virgin is a kingdom, where the individuals Branson stamped in everywhere of the Business , therefore,his values and goals are the driving force of the whole coporation. An overview of tranformational and charismatic leaderhip theories suggests that the leaders may achieve relevent goals by making of followers, who personally identify with this style, also the work-group they are with (Yukl, 1988). Thus transformational approach, in my opinion the best summarzes the style of this renowned business leader. Conclusion With charisma, intellectual stimulation and inspirational motivation and individualized consideration, transformational leaders have a great potential to promote actions beyond expectations and produce changes within individuals and organizations. It seems that this form of a leadership well-suited for a time like this in which has characterictics like uncertainity, global turmoil and institutional instability. Refernce Brooks, I. (2009) Organisational Behaviour, Pearson Education Limited, UK. Bass, B.M. (1985) Leadership and performance beyond expectation, p43, New York, Free Press. Dearlove, D. (2007) Business the Richard Branson Way, p163, Capstone, Chichester, UK. Durbin, A. Dalglish, C Miller, P (2006) Leadership, ( 2nd), p312, Asia-Pasific edition, John Wiley Sons, Australia. Journals Avolio, B.J, (1999) RE-examining the components of transformational and transactional leadership using the multifactor component questionnaire, journal of occupational and organisational psychology, p72, 441-462. Waldman, D.A., Bass, B.M., Yammarino, F.J. (1990) Adding to contingent-reward behaviour: The augmenting effect of charismatic leadership. Group and Organisational Studies, p15, 381-394. Yukl, G.A. (1988) Managerial Leadership. A review of theory and research. Journal of Management, p15, 251-289. Internet Sources BBC.co.uk (1999) Knighthood for Branson, bbc.co.uk, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/583940.stm. NCE (Small Firms Association National Centre of Excellence) (2009), Leadershi,http://www.centreofexcellence.ie/sectors/SFA/SFANCEDocLib.nsf/441763b04b0320b68025722e003fb55a/bc12f53469df45728025722e003f060f/$FILE/Leadership.pdf

Genetic Engineering: Perfect Body or Perfect Sin? :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

Genetic Engineering: Perfect Body or Perfect Sin? New advancements in science happen everyday. Products may include medicines, fertilizers, household cleaners, durable materials, and more. One of the most controversial issues in the world of science is genetic engineering. Scientists say genetic engineering may bring large advantages to humans and the way they live. Critics argue that genetic engineering can mean the destruction of the pure human being. There are numerous advantages and disadvantages in genetic engineering but disaster can be avoided if extreme caution is practiced. When people used to think of genetic engineering, they thought of genetically enhanced superior food products. That all changed after Dolly, the cloned sheep, was introduced to the world. The recent advances in genetics sparked conversation about cloning human beings. Scientists believe that genetic engineering in humans is the answer to the multitude of problems that millions face everyday. Hereditary baldness, heart problems, mental disorders, and a lot more genetic diseases would cease to exist. The perfect world isn't that far away. So what could possibly go wrong in a perfect world made up of genetically enhanced organisms? Critics fear that disease-producing organisms used in food products might develop worldwide epidemics. The catholic church says that human cloning is morally wrong. Others don't want a perfect world. They argue that the ill-bred humans will take away our right to suffer. According to critics, genetically changing the structure of a living thing isn't worth the risk or sin. The perfect physical world is nearer than anyone can imagine. The anticipated problems can be resolved before they even happen. Epidemics can be avoided by careful procedure, supervision, and inspection. The National Institute of Health already has established regulations restricting the types of DNA that can be used for these types of experiments. The only barrier left is sin. There is nothing man can do to change the word of God. Man's is willingness to sin for happiness does not differ from stealing or killing for money. Heaven is the sacrifice they have to make to enjoy happiness. Science is an amazing and dangerous world that man seeks to control. Genetic engineering was never intended for man to discover. Now that he has, should he use it for his benefit?

Casinos :: essays research papers

Casinos   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Casinos have become a large part of cities' economy and hundreds of thousands of people's lives. Casinos are exciting for many people who feel they have a chance to win it big. Because so much money is flowing into casinos, the local business are being affected. Most are not thriving with the new tourism and the seemingly revived economy. In 1994 more people made the trip to a casino then to a ball park (Popkin). The casinos are attracting so much of American's dollars that they spent less on books, music albums and attractions (Reed).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The people are spending less money outside of the casino. Which is not helping the vast majority of local businesses. This is what is most often overlooked by the city. The money from tourists and the community is not going into the local businesses, but instead the casino. Robert Goodman, Urban Planning professor states: â€Å"Newly opened casinos suck money out of the local economy, away from existing movie theaters, car dealerships, clothing shops and sports arenas† (Popkin). Casinos take money away from existing businesses. In Atlantic City, where casinos were supposed to save their failing economy, over 900 of their 2,100 small businesses have closed and the number of restaurants was reduced from 243 to 146. By providing everything a person needs, the casinos are designed to keep people inside. The truth is casinos drain money out of an area into a far away bank account, most often never going back into the community. Casino revenues may look good on paper to the average person, and to politicians who are constantly being pushed to gain more revenue. In reality they are almost a nightmare to the small locally owned businesses. Jobs are one of the main reasons for the growth of casinos.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Across the continent casinos have created tens of thousands of jobs for unemployed people (Clines). Indian casinos in Minnesota have created approximately 5,000 jobs. Between 1975 and 1992 employment in Atlantic City's service industry grew 608 percent, a significant part of this came from casinos which created 95 percent of the new jobs. The casinos increased construction jobs ninety three percent, and created 600 new transportation jobs (Reed). Over all casinos provide many new jobs for an area. Construction jobs decline when the casino is completed. The jobs will decline as demand for their services drops off. During the same time period of 1975 to 1992 manufacturing jobs were down eighty-four percent. Real estate, insurance, and financial employment fell forty one percent (Reed). While some jobs increased others declined because of the shift of demand for certain jobs.

The Lasting Musical Impact of Ludwig Van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus

Many people compare the musical works of Ludwig Van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart because of the styles of music that they produced. They were also similar because of their age and the music period in which they created in. Throughout their lives these two composers had vastly different customs and behaviors. Each composer contributed to their own unique styles of music, however they continue to be a musical inspiration in today’s world. Many people of the early classical music period reacted differently to both of the musician’s works because of the unique way they chose to create and present their music. These musician’s created a lasting effect on the musical world that we see today. Although Mozart was older than Beethoven by fifteen years they were brought up in extremely different environments. Early on in their lives both children were recognized because of their talent with music. They were both better know as prodigy children. Mozart started his career on the harpsichord when he was only three years of age, and performing at the early age of seven. The age at which Beethoven played is not known. However, â€Å"It is clear that at a very early age he received instruction from his father on the piano and the violin. Tradition adds that the child, made to stand at the keyboard, was often in tears.† (Grove music online, Joseph Kerman) Mozart, as well, received instruction from his father, however it is said that at an early age he could play an instrument by ear. Beethoven’s family had performed at the Court of the Elector of Cologne for many years. Beethoven’s father was a local musician, first as a young soprano, and then through his adult years a tenor. He could also play the violin and piano. Mozart’s f... ...2015. http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/subscriber/article/grove/music/40258pg3?q=mozart&search=quick&pos=5&_start=1#firsthit Wagele, Elizabeth. Elizabeth Wagele. â€Å"Beethoven’s Personality and Music: The Introverted Romantic.† Accessed: 27 May 2015. http://www.wagele.com/Beeth-personality.html Salter, Hannah. Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Website. â€Å"Testament.† 2001. Accessed: 25 May 2015. http://www.lvbeethoven.com/Bio/BiographyHeiligenstadtTestament.html Yoho, Agencja. Encyclopedia. â€Å"Beethoven’s Output.† Accessed: 26 May 2015. http://www.beethoven.org.pl/en/encyklopedia/beethoven/tworczosc Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1756-1791. â€Å"Biography.† Accessed: 26 May 2015. http://www.its.caltech.edu/~tan/Mozartreq/main.html Beethoven, Ludwig Van (1770-1827). Accessed: 26 May 2015. http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/Biographies/mainbiographies/B/beethoven/2.html

General Principles of Good Governance

General Principles of Good Governance 1. Service to Others Service to others allows us to practice doing what Jesus would do and it connects us to those we serve and give us a kind of satisfaction that self-interest can never offer. When we serve others we are reminded that nothing in this life lasts as long as the bonds we form with other people, and there's no better way to connect ourselves to others than by working together for our common good and because everything we have comes from God, we should be willing to share it all. Think how much those talents mean when you share them with someone who needs your particular brand of expertise. Even the little things we do, like helping someone to transfer or positioning them or even feeding them, can make life a little easier for someone else. 2. Professional Competence When we talk of professional competence, we refer to patients' expectations that the professional they come into contact with will be up to the job. Professionals should be able to do that which they profess they can do. The patient simply expects that the healthcare professional has up-to-date knowledge and skills. Professional competence requires a firm educational grounding, followed by a period of formal training to acquire the relevant knowledge and skills in the workplace. Thereafter, continued competence rests on a combination of education, continuous development, confidence and experience. Professionals' competence also depends upon professionals themselves having an honest understanding of their abilities. It is crucial that errors in practice, or gaps in skill or knowledge, are acknowledged as early as possible and used as an opportunity for learning, rather than being suppressed or hidden out of fear of blame or sanction. Learning through mistakes can often be a very effective way of improving competence and understanding. 3. Solidarity and Teamwork Teams work together to problem solve more efficiently, with each team member offering a unique perspective to complex issues. Members recognize a need for each other's expertise, talents and commitment to achieve their goals. For this reason, effective teams value open communication, treat each others as equals, and keep collaboration at the forefront by sharing information. Conflicts are resolved quickly within the group.