Book Review The Communist Manifesto Sociology Essay

Book Review The Communist Manifesto Sociology Essay The Communist Manifesto was written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848. Whether or not the publication was planned to coincide with the first revolutions in France we can only surmise. However what we do know is that both Marx and Engels were commissioned to compile the Communist Party Manifesto at the Second Congress of the Communist League which met between November and December 1847. The Manifesto is split into four sections but the overall aim of the book is an attempt to explain the ideologies and goals of the Communist party. Marx and Engels argue that it is the history of class struggles  [1]  that are the driving force of history. Marx claims that relationships between classes are dependant upon that periods channel of production. He also argues that once these relationships are no longer well-suited a revolution happens and a new ruling class take power. This is Marxs explanation for the move from feudalism to capitalism at the hands of the bourgeoisie (middle classes). This is also how Marx views the progression from capitalism to socialism and from socialism to communism. Marx and Engels believe that Communism is inevitable, that eventually the proletariat (working class) will seize power straight from the hands of the bourgeoisie. The first section of the manifesto is based on the Communists theories of history and of the relationship between the bourgeois and the proletariat in a capitalist society. Marx informs the reader of class struggles that have dominated history, how classes are either oppressor or oppressed. Marx states that as a result of the move from the complicated feudal system to the capitalist system hostilities between classes have simplified to the point where there are no only two classes in direct opposition; the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. The manifesto pinpoints the fact that because of the demands of society and the rise of modern industry the modern bourgeois have became the ruling class by doing away with the old feudal system and allowing people to become more self-interested. Despite this new self-interest Marx argues that the modern bourgeois has done away with the traditional family values and instead turned each family member into a commodity, someone to go out and earn a wag e. He states that this new bourgeois society has resolved personal worth into exchange value. This new capitalist society, Marx states, leaves one man dependant on another in a way they had never been previously; it has created a class of labourers, who live only so long as they find work, and who find work only so long as their labour increases capital. Thus we have a society based on production and demand. However this society will not always see the relevant demand for the products they produce so those who rely on industry to supply wages in order for them to have a roof over their heads and food in their bellies, are expendable, they will be used, and be able to afford to live, only so long as the bourgeoisie need their skills. Section two then goes on to discuss the relationship between the Communists and the proletarians. Marx is keen to point out that the Communists do not see other working class parties as opposition rather they wish to help these other parties in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦clearly understanding the line of march, the conditions and the ultimate general results of the proletarian movement. Marx addresses the question on the abolition of property directly and clearly states that it is not the aim of the communists to abolish all property but to abolish private property, that property owned by the bourgeois. He points out that property only belongs to one tenth of society as the other nine tenths cannot afford such luxury as owning their own properties. Upon addressing this he also claims that as a result of this, and many other defining features, Capital, is therefore not a personal, it is a social power. Upon defining the role of the proletariat in society Marx states that the Communist party wish to do away with the miserable characterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.under which the labourer lives merely to increase capital, and is allowed to live only in so far as the interest of the ruling class requires it. The third section of the Manifesto outlines and evaluates the three divisions of Communist writings. These are; reactionary socialism, conservative socialism and critical-utopian socialism and communism. Marx argues that each of these divisions fail because each of the fail to realise critical communist values. The reactionaries and the conservatives fail to take note of the fact that the bourgeoisie will eventually fall at the hands of the proletariat whereas the utopians fail to realize that social change is essential; there is no perfect world where communism is king without this change. The fourth and final section of the manifesto confronts the Communist partys feelings towards the opposing parties that exist in society. The communists final and foremost aim is the proletarian revolution and they strive for this constantly and consistently even if it means working with other opposition parties in order to achieve this. Marx and other communists believe that history goes through stages of social change and that by arming the proletariat in one particular stage (capitalism) it will ensure the overthrow of the bourgeoisie at the hands of the proletariat thus reigning in a new era of socialism and eventually communism. All in all The Communist Manifesto is extremely clear

Is Grendel Evil? Essay -- essays research papers

In a world of chaos, he who lives, lives by his own laws and values. Who is to say that the death of millions is any worse or better, for that matter, than injuring a cockroach. And in the case of an existing power in the form of God, who is presumed to be all which is good, presiding and ruling an organized universe, why then does evil exist? The prosaic response of â€Å"without evil, there is no good† no longer holds any validity in this argument as the admitted goal of good is to reach an existence without evil. So even if a God does exist, I think it is fair, at this point, to say that he is the embodiment of both good and evil. And if humoring those who would answer the previous question with the response that there can be no good without evil, then can we assume that evil is simply a subsection of a defined good? Or perhaps even a good thing? If it is essential, those who chose the side of evil are simply abiding by good values. In the case of a world ruled by Chaos, ev il is a non-existent word or value, rather. The system upon which a person’s actions are judged also disappears leaving nothing but an instinct for natural survival as basic and primary as the life within the forests which we tear down to build our houses. Ethics is a wide field of philosophical study to which the core of every question within falls to one side of a blurred line. On the right, is good; the value which is popularly believed to be the correct alignment for which a person should live their life according to. On the left, is evil; that which is the cause of most human misery, and prevents peace on earth. In John Gardner’s book Grendel, the retelling of the ages old story Beowulf, further blurs the line between good and evil. Circumstance and perhaps a confused view of reality allow the monster, Grendel, to conceivably defend his evil beliefs. In order to better understand evil, using Grendel as a guide, I intend to attempt to justify it. Grendel is born a neutral being, perhaps even good, but nevertheless, without hate. The transition which he undergoes to become evil is due to misunderstandings between himself and humans and also meeting with a dragon who is questionably evil. As a young â€Å"monster†, Grendel knew nothing other than the cave he lived in and his mother who could not speak any distinguishable language. He was a playful creature who seemed to be like a â€Å"bla... ...orals is an act of creation. A religious act. Murder and Mayhem are the life and soul revolution†¦   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The essence of good in evil is contained within this speech given by Red Horse. That which should be, will come from revolution. The people will fight for what they consider is the truth and if certain morals or institutions stand in the way of that, they must be torn down. The reason for destruction is to actually create anew what is better for existence. This is what I believe the old man is trying to say. That sheer brutality, and that which is considered evil, is the only way to achieve change and therefore a newer, better way of life. It is a concept which sounds harsh and uncompromisingly hurtful to those who are on the opposing end, but it is actually similar to sociology's conflict theory. Without conflict, and therefore the resolution of conflict, there can be no change. Without change, life remains stagnant and in the same cycle of trading one man’s pain for another man’s happiness. Therefore, without evil as a means to achieving good, the world would remain a constant struggle without advancements of living and without advancements of life.

The Sight of Beauty

I was walking on the beach right before the sunset, searching for a good spot to fish. I stop and gaze at the ocean. The waves, ever so gracefully crashing on the beach, a picture perfect moment. Perhaps moments were you feel worthy of being alive, seeing the beauty that Mother Nature has to offer. Seeing what the world has to offer of life. I came back from school, tired and exaughested. I Just had a very big and difficult examination that I did not do so well on.The agony of getting a below average grade when everybody got an above average grade. It is a feeling that is a very negative one. When I came out of school I had to study for another important test. In my mind, I'm thinking how all the world has to offer is difficulty in life, and if it's not difficulty, then its agony and self-consciousness. Hopefully I will get a sufficient grade to please my parents' expectations. To refresh my mind, I take a short walk on the beach with a fishing pole in one hand.As I was walking, I se e people stop and gaze at the water, taking pictures. These people also had a fishing pole, and fishermen are usually on a task, to catch fish and bring home a nice dinner to enjoy with their family. But these people are stopped dead in their tracks by a sight. What was this sight about? Maybe it was a big school offish, but as I looked, it was something better. It was a sight of beauty. The beauty of the ocean, the sunset, and how the waves in the ocean were ot rough white caps, but calm and beautiful.The waves crashing on the surf ever so gracefully, as if it was moving in a balletic. Then a thought hit me, of what the world has to offer me. It's not always difficulty in life, or agony or self-consciousness, but it offers you life, and the beauty of nature. Yes, the world offers you some challenges and difficulty, but it's only a small price to pay to see the beauty of the world. I am thankful of the beauties the world offers me

Cetacean Characteristics and Facts

The word cetacean is used to describe all whales, dolphins and porpoises in the order Cetacea. This word comes from the Latin cetus meaning a large sea animal, and the Greek word ketos, meaning sea monster. There are about 89 species of cetaceans. The term about is used because as scientists learn more about these fascinating animals, new species are discovered or populations are re-classified. Cetaceans range in size from the tiniest dolphin, Hectors dolphin, which is just over 39 inches long, to the largest whale, the blue whale, which can be over 100 feet long. Cetaceans live in all of the oceans and many of the major rivers of the world. Cetaceans are thought to have evolved from even-toed ungulates (a group that includes cows, camels, and deer). Types of Cetaceans There are many types of cetaceans, which are divided largely according to how they feed. The order Cetacea is divided into two sub-orders, the Mysticetes (baleen whales) and the Odontocetes (toothed whales). The Odontocetes are more numerous, comprising 72 different species, compared to 14 baleen whale species. The Mysticetes include species such as the blue whale, fin whale, right whale, and humpback whale. Mysticetes have hundreds of comb-like plates of baleen hanging from their upper jaw. Baleen whales feed by gulping large amounts of water containing hundreds or thousands of fish or plankton, then forcing the water out in between the baleen plates, leaving the prey inside to be swallowed whole. Odontocetes include the sperm whale, orca (killer whale), beluga  and all of the dolphins and porpoises. These animals have cone-shaped or spade-shaped teeth and usually capture one animal at a time and swallow it whole. Odontocetes feed mostly on fish and squid, although some orcas prey on other marine mammals. Cetacean Characteristics Cetaceans are mammals, which means they are endothermic (commonly called warm-blooded) and their internal body temperature is about the same as a humans. They give birth to live young and breathe air through lungs just like we do. They even have hair. Unlike fish, which swim by moving their heads from side-to-side to swing their tail, cetaceans propel themselves by moving their tail in a smooth, up-and-down motion. Some cetaceans, such as the Dalls porpoise and the orca (killer whale) can swim faster than 30 miles per hour. Breathing When a cetacean wants to breathe, it has to rise to the water surface and exhale and inhale out of the blowholes located on top of its head. When the cetacean comes to the surface and exhales, you can sometimes see the spout, or blow, which is the result of the warm air in the whales lungs condensing upon reaching the cool air outside. Insulation Whales do not have a coat of fur to keep warm, so they have a thick layer of fat and connective tissue called blubber underneath their skin. This blubber layer can be as much as 24 inches thick in some whales. Senses Whales have a poor sense of smell, and depending on where they are, they may not be able to see well underwater. However, they have excellent hearing. They do not have external ears but have tiny ear openings behind each eye. They can also tell the direction of sound underwater. Diving Whales have collapsible rib cages and flexible skeletons, which allows them to compensate for high water pressure when they dive. They can also tolerate higher levels of carbon dioxide in their blood, allowing them to stay underwater for up to 1 to 2 hours for large whales.