Why do Marxists reject a social contract?
Provide a brief analysis as to why Marxism may in fact result in a more attractive political structure (at least in theory, not practice), than that of a social contract. What are its disadvantages? Specifically, you should give brief contrast to you answer by introducing Rawls’ notion of “justice as fairness”. Finally, provide consideration as to whether or not violence should be advocated or justified by political ideology.
Required Reading – Karl Marx “Manifesto of the Communist Party” (Selection)
Read the following sections from the Communist Manifesto:
Manifesto of the Communist Party – Pg. 14
I Bourgeois and Proletarian – Pg. 14
II Proletarians and Communists – Pg. 22
III Socialist and Communist Literature
- Reactionary Socialism
B. Petty-Bourgeois Socialism – Pg. 29
C. German or “True” Socialism – Pg. 29 - Critical-Utopian Socialism and Communism – Pg. 32
IV Position of the Communists in Relation to the Various Existing Opposition Parties – Pg. 34
Recommended – Stanford Article, “Karl Marx” – Intro and Sections 1 & 3
< http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/marx/#4 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. >
