MARXISM is a general theory of the world in which we live, and of human society as a part of that world. It takes its name from Karl Marx (1818-1883), who, together with Fried rich Engels (1820-1895), worked out the theory during the middle and latter part of last century.
They set out to discover why human society is what it is, why it changes, and what further changes are in store for man- kind. Their studies led them to the conclusion that these changes-like the changes in external nature-are not accidental, but follow certain laws. This fact makes it possible to work out a scientific theory of society, based on the actual experience of men, as opposed to the vague notions about society which used to be (and still are) put forward—notions associated with religious beliefs, race and hero-worship, personal inclinations or Utopian dreams.
Marx applied this general idea to the society in which he lived-mainly capitalist Britain-and worked out the economic theory of capitalism by which he is most widely known. But he always insisted that his economic theories could not be separated from his historical and social theories. Profits and wages can be studied up to a certain pint as purely economic problems; but the student who sets out to study real life and not abstractions soon realizes that profits and wages can only be fully understood when employers and workers are brought into the picture; and these in turn lead on to a study of the historical stage in which they live.
The scientific approach to the development of society is based, like all science, on experience, on the facts of history and of the world round us. Therefore Marxism is not a completed, finished theory. As history unfolds, as man gathers more experience, Marxism is constantly being developed and applied to the new facts that have come to light. The most…
AN INTRODUCTION ΤΟ MARXISM
EMILE BURNS
LONDON
LAWRENCE & WISH ART LTD
First published in 1939 by Victor Gollancz as WHAT IS MARXISM? and reprinted six times New edition published by Lawrence & Wish art 1952 New and revised edition 1957
Reprinted 1961 Reprinted 1966
