Karl Marx Existence and Social Consciousness - 2581 Words

A paper written for Classical Sociology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Introduction â€Å"It is not the consciousness of men that determines their being, but, on the contrary, their social being that determines their consciousness† – Karl Marx The above notion by Karl Marx is the base of all his succeeding works; it is Marx’s concept of Man and how he critiqued the existing dominant ideology of German thought, and relates his argument to societal change and history – specifically the relations of production. In order to explain what Marx meant by the proposed notion, I will have to explain Marx’s concept of Man, and how an activity (labour) was a primordial means for Man to gain self-realization, which laid the grounds†¦show more content†¦Thought comes from being, but being does not come from thought† (Hamilton 1974: 23); Man is the subject and God is the predicate as God is an expression of Man’s thought; social product. He also coined the term â€Å"species-being† (â€Å"species† as a biological commonality, and â€Å"being† as having a universal reflexivity: consciousness). The theories by both thinkers formed the ideological nucleus of Marx’s works . Marx’s Concept of Human Nature Marx’s materialism contrasts with idealism that dominated German thought during Marx’s time. Marx asserts the notion of praxis, putting theory into practice; that in order for a theory to be valid is how it informed action. Marx expulsed the German ideology with his first premise of all human history: â€Å"the existence of living human individuals† (Marx 1980: 165). His first premise was reinforced with the second and eighth thesis on Feuerbach: â€Å"The question whether objective truth can be attributed to human thinking is not a question of theory but is a practical question. Man must prove the truth...†; â€Å"All social life is essentially practical. All mysteries which lead theory to mysticism find their rational solution in human practice and in the comprehension of this practice† (Marx 1977: 156-8). With the philosophical findings of both Hegel and Feuerbach, Marx formulates his concept of nature of Man and consciousness. Nature according toShow MoreRelatedKarl Marx s Theories Of History And The Theory Of Human Nature Essay1714 Words   |  7 PagesKarl Marx was a nineteenth century philosopher, born in Trier, Prussia (Germany) in 1818 to a middle class family and later died in 1883. Karl Marx’s philosophies on society, politics and economics is collectively understood as Marxism. He was a materialist and an atheist who had a profound impact on the world of intellectual thought. This paper will aim to discuss and determine with reference to Marx’s deterministic theory of history and the theory of human nature, if human beings are essentiallyRead MoreConflict Theory926 Words   |  4 Pagestheories are perspectives in social science that emphasize the social, political or material inequality of a social group, that critique the broad socio-political system, or tha t otherwise detract from structural functionalism and ideological conservativism. Conflict theories draw attention to power differentials, such as class conflict, and generally contrast historically dominant ideologies. It is therefore a macro level analysis of society. Karl Marx is the father of the social conflict theory, whichRead MoreKarl Marx s Class Theory1687 Words   |  7 PagesKarl Marx’s class theory rests on the presumptions that each society in existence emanates from the history of class struggles. In line with this perception, from the time human society came forth from its primitive as well as relatively indistinctive state it has stayed categorized between classes which conflict in the pursuit of class interests. In the capitalist world, for instance, the factor which is the just but the nuclear cell as regards the capitalist system, becomes the key antagonism locusRead MoreEssay on Consciousness: Are We All In This Together?1266 Words   |  6 Pagesquesti on that continues to puzzle scholars (and Honors students, alike) is that of what defines human consciousness. It would be simple to say that it is defined by one’s awareness of itself and of its surroundings. What makes the question so difficult to answer, though, is that consciousness is much more than an acute awareness; it is the process of becoming aware, finding the purpose of our consciousness, and building morals and intelligence from that awareness that entangles those who search for answersRead MoreThe Soul And Consciousness Of Revolutionary Politics1482 Words   |  6 PagesThe Soul and Consciousness of Revolutionary Politics Steven Umbrello Table of Contents I Introduction 3 II The Soul and the Essence 3 III Justice and Revolutionary Consciousness 5 IV Degeneration and Global Revolution (ideology) 6 V Psychology of Political Duty and Freedom 7 VI Conclusion 7 VII Bibliography 8 I In this short paper I will be comparing and contrasting the political psychologyRead MoreCore Vs. Sociological Theory918 Words   |  4 Pagesmethod of thought. Science and Sociology kindled its way in the Enlightenment period, and there was a shift in the way things were done in matters such as religion, politics and economics. The Industrial revolution is a key event that came into existence because of the Enlightenment. The Industrial Revolution began in the eighteenth century in England and turned Europe from a predominately agriculture society to an industrial society. It was a period where major changes in agriculture, manufacturingRead MoreKarl Marx; (C)Eddie Babors the Human Person; Not Real, but Existing1663 Words   |  7 PagesKarl Marx –Report by Ma. Trixia F. Espiritu Santo DKI God bless you who’s reading this ï Å  Karl Marx (1818-1883) Marx’s views about human nature lies in his ideas of society and labor, both linked by his concept of matter that serves as the fundamental argument in Marxism. If man is greatly affected by the material conditions in his surroundings then man’s nature lies within the heart of society and labor which forms man. Two contending camps offering an understanding of human nature Read MoreAnalysis of the Main Strengths and Weaknesses of Marx’s Sociological Thought1676 Words   |  7 Pagesof Marx’s Sociological Thought â€Å"The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles† Marx and Engels (1967, p.67) Born in 1818, Karl Marx, using his philosophical and socialist ideas, attempted to show how conflict and struggle in social development were important in the development of a society. The works of Marx were influenced by three distinct intellectual traditions: German idealist philosophy, French socialism and British politicalRead MoreThe Class Conflict Theory Proposed By Karl Marx1571 Words   |  7 PagesTheory proposed by Karl Marx explains that society changes due to the need for human beings to have a higher level of social class. This is essentially a framework developed by Marx that he aimed to use to explain the mode of social stratification happening during his time, its root causes, and its main effects. Marx had a unique view on the nature of different social classes. He believed that there are only two social classes where people can belong (Marx McLellan, Karl Marx, Selected WritingsRead More Karl Marx Essay1509 Words   |  7 PagesKARL MARX: A CRITICAL PROFILE 1. Contribution Like Charles Darwin (1809-82), his contemporary, Karl Marx (1818-83) has had a profound impact on modern thought. 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The Strategies For Managing Interpersonal Conflicts, And...

Dear Joseph and Michelle, I would like to congratulate the both of you on your recent engagement. I am very excited that I was chosen to be a part of your special occasion. My husband and I have been married for 9 years and I can assure you that I am the best person for your situation being that I just finished taking a course on interpersonal communication. Communication is very important in any type of relationship. Marriage is built on having effective communication with your partner. This letter will explain the strategies for managing interpersonal conflicts, and how emotions and nonverbal communication can affect a relationship. I am excited to share with you some of the things I have learned.†¦show more content†¦If you want your relationship to blossom and be successful each person will need a strong foundation that they can build their relationship on. Where does your concept of self come from? As stated in the text â€Å"Most researchers believe that who you think you are is a complex mix of how you see yourself; how others see you; what parents, teachers, and peers have told you about yourself that you have recognized and internalized; and what your society or culture tells you that you are or that you should be (Bevan Sole, 2014). It is important to be open minded and always remember that your spouse opinion is not always the same as yours, but it is equally important as yours. You should remember to show the same respect as you would want for yourself. When you and your spouse are communicating use your own words and not someone else. â€Å"A person with high self-concept should experience greater relationship satisfaction and commitment, in part, because of inclusion of other in the self† (Lewandowski, 2010). I believe the way you view yourself will determine how you will experience life. Self-esteem consists of your broad sense of self-worth and the level of satisfaction you have with yourself; it is how you evaluate and judge y ourself (Crocker Wolfe, 2001). Having high self-esteem will establish your worth and beliefs about being valuable and capable. You will lose yourself if you become solely dependent on how people feelShow MoreRelatedDefine and contrast the three ethical perspectives. How do the perspectives differ from the ethical theories? What does each ethical perspective tell us about morality and virtue?1405 Words   |  6 PagesThesis Statement I want to provide strategies for resolving or managing interpersonal conflict within a relationship. Participants will learn about the causes and effects of conflict; evaluate the appropriate use of different conflict management styles; and focus on the application of collaborative, win-win techniques. Body Paragraph # 1 Topic Sentence: Identify the barriers to effective interpersonal interactions. Supporting Evidence: 1. The negative emotions from previous experiences, if notRead MoreChallenges in Interpersonal Relationships976 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿ Challenges in Interpersonal Relationship Class 101 Laura Lyles COM 200 Interpersonal Communication Kenneth Newton April 8, 2013 Challenges In Interpersonal Relationship Class 101 Dear Jace and Kelli, I am thrilled to know that you are taking this class in Interpersonal Relationship. This class is to strengthen and empower you two as a couple as you embark on your new transition of becoming a married couple. Many areas will be covered in this class.Read MoreLetter of Advice2416 Words   |  10 PagesFinal Paper: Letter of Advice Com 200 Interpersonal Communication March 5, 2012 â€Æ' Final Paper: Letter of Advice Dear Amy and Smith, As you know, I am taking interpersonal communication, and as a close friend of the two of you, I feel that it is only right that I share information I have learned for the marriage you have ahead. 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Paradise of the Blind Essay Example For Students

Paradise of the Blind Essay In this extract from the novel, Paradise of the Blind, by Duong Thu Huong, the author explores the importance of culture and tradition within the text. The extract is set in the slums of Hanoi, Vietnam during the war and outlines the lifestyle of main character Hang, her mother and relatives at this time. Through first person narration, Huong details the personalities of and relationships between Hang and her relatives in particular, Uncle Chinh, mother Que and Aunt Tam, illustrating the struggles and hardships experienced by the Vietnamese to display the importance of family within Vietnamese culture. Using symbolism of material wealth and food as a means to show the expression of love that Que has for Uncle Chinh and Aunt Tam for Hang, Huong effectively portrays the customs and beliefs of Vietnam at the time of the book. The setting of the text is clearly established through numerous amounts of cultural motifs presented within the extract in order to accentuate the importance of tradition. The existence of a communist government alongside the celebration of Tet Vietnamese New Year, is highly significant in emphasising the placement of this text in Vietnam. The house, the clothes, the food. These people are incapable of tolerating even the slightest difference. So you see, a little bit more money, a nicer bowl its dramatic for them. (125) This remark made by peasant Neighbour Vi about communist Uncle Chinhs family displays the oppressive lifestyle and beliefs of the Vietnamese officials living under the corruption of the Communist Party. The unwritten laws that exist within their community, determining equal standards of living and conformity to group normalities are used by Huong to portray the suffocating attitude of the government party at the time. The inclusion of such suffocating traditions is contrasted with the beliefs of other characters in the book, displaying the differing values between the social classes in Vietnam. This divergence in beliefs is further implied through the separation of Uncle Chinhs family home in Commune Residence K from the residences of regular peasants such as Neighbour Vi, Hang and her mother. Listen to my advice. Wear the same clothes as your sister-in-law. Then see if she doesnt change her attitude. (125) Evident throughout the text, Uncle Chinh and his family do not welcome Ques visits to his house, as a result of the conformist community he lives in. Despite being family, Que must change the way she appears in order to be accepted by her own brother, emphasising her brothers str ong beliefs in the tradition of his communist community. Uncle Chinh and his familys prioritising of their shallow communist customs over their own blood relatives illustrate the meaning of tradition in the text, henceforth presenting the social setting of Vietnam. In addition to this, the significance of family in Vietnamese tradition is presented by Huong to lead the reader to see the importance of culture. Que makes a considerable effort to keep in contact and interact with her brother Chinhs family as it is her only other family. Similarly, Aunt Tam obsesses over her niece Hang, as she is the only family that she has left. She gathered me in her arms, stroking my hair. The older you get, the more you look like your father. Really, to each plant its own little slug. No doubt about it. (126) Aunt Tams actions of embracing and interacting with Hang within this extract are representative of the great amount of love she has for her, due to her being the only family that she has. To Aunt Tam, family is a number one priority and since the loss of her beloved brother; she constantly dotes on his daughter who reminds her of him. Her comparison of Hang and her father to a slug and a plant is a metaphor used by the author to further emphasise the bloo d ties between Hang and her father, and consequently also Aunt Tam. .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c , .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c .postImageUrl , .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c , .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c:hover , .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c:visited , .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c:active { border:0!important; } .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c:active , .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u1f6cd27144b76b044bc1c0f06202f44c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Compare and contrast the ways in which the directors of 'Mary Shelly's Frankenstein' 1994 and 'Frankenstein' 1931 EssayThe majority of interaction in the extract between Hang and Aunt Tam in the extract is contrasted to the amount of interaction between Hang and her mother in order to show the close relationship that Hang and her aunt share. As a result of Hang being well cared for by Aunt Tam, Que similarly makes it her duty to help her brother live with the basic necessities of life because he is her only other blood relation, showing the importance of family in the text. But a few days later she sewed herself exactly the same suit her sister-in-law wore. She put it on e very time she visited Commune Residence K. When she returned, she seemed more cheerful, more relaxed. (125) Ques sewing of a new outfit for her frequent visits to the commune residence where Chinh stays displays the amount of effort and consideration she gives in order to be accepted by his family. The distance between her home and her brothers are symbolic of the distant relationship they share, while her travelling and hard work to visit her brother is figurative of her efforts in closing the gap between the siblings. As shown through her happy mood after these visits in this new suit, her family and their approval are also extremely important to her, displaying the value of culture and tradition in the text. Throughout the extract, symbolism of food is used to portray the relationships between characters during the rituals of Tet, showing the value of culture in the text. Que does not feel that she is needed by Hang due to Aunt Tams obsessive concern for Hangs well-being and so in order to feel a sense of purpose in life; she directs her love towards her brother, who she feels needs her more. Que cares for and constantly seeks acceptance from her older brother and his family as shown through her sacrifice of her own savings and Tet preparations in order to supply food for her brothers Tet dinner. My mother had exhausted her savings for Uncle Chins Tet dinner. At home, all we had were a few New Years cakes and a pound of pork pate. (125) From this extract, it is clear that Hangs mother is struggling to make ends meet as the emotive language exhausted highlights, hence displaying her personality as selfless. Here, the contribution of food is used as a symbol to represent care, as while Que gives a great amount of food to Uncle Chinh, she gives little to her own daughter, Hang. She is portrayed as a suffering woman who endeavours as a single mother, to provide for her brothers family despite her own poor living conditions and little wealth as she believes that she must take responsibility for his family due to blood ties. The unconditional love given by Que is unreturned by her brothers family, showing the insignificance of blood family to them through their lack of care for Que and Hang, portraying them as inconsiderate characters in the book. Moreover, Ques small provision of food for her own daughters Tet is used by the author to represent her distant relationship with Hang while she relies on Aunt Tam to supply Hangs Tet banquet. Aunt Tams love for Hang is similarly represented through her provision of a great Tet banquet for Hang. She cares extensively only for Hang, looking after her health and spoiling her, allowing her to live a better standard of living than her mother. As for the young hens, these are for you, Hang. Youll have to steam them. Now that youre a teenager, you must eat right, round out a bit. (126) The symbol of food is once again used to represent Aunt Tams care for Hang, however no food is presented to Que, showing that Aunt Tam and Hangs mother do not share a close relationship. Aunt Tam addresses Hang as the receiver of her gifts and through this symbol of food during Tet, the author leads the reader to see Aunt Tams affection for Hang showing the importance of culture and family in the text. .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271 , .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271 .postImageUrl , .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271 , .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271:hover , .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271:visited , .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271:active { border:0!important; } .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271:active , .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271 .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uf6559e6a43d14387c3918c46ec857271:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Journeys end is a play that has been successful for over 70 years EssayWithin this extract from the novel Paradise of the Blind, by Duong Thu Huong the author portrays the importance of culture and tradition. Through representations of relationships between Uncle Chinhs family, Hang and her mother, emphasis is placed on the significance of customs and beliefs. Using first person narration, the author positions the reader to see the relationships between characters Hang and her family in the text through the symbolism of food and material wealth, successfully emphasising Vietnamese tradition in the text.