The problem with Marx's socialism, in particular his take on economics, is the keystone idea of "Surplus Value." While there is a HUGE argument to be made about the BASIC validity of this statement in terms of subjective vs. implicit "value," the more atrocious area of error is in the placement of value. By judging ANY item's true value by the work put into the creation or formation of said object is that there is absoulely no consideration for possible lack of desire for this same object. 5,000 workers could have worked on a new machine that in the end, while being completed, is argueably useless, but is still worth a vast amount of money merely because of the man-hours spent in the creation of this entirely worthless machine.
With Marx's idea of "Surplus Value," the progression, rather, the advancing, of humanity would either stutter and collapse due to the misdirection of entire communities, and if not end this drastically, would still, certainly, slow progression.
P.S. Progression includes advances which help the proletariat, not only more opportunities for the entrepenuer to advance his gains).
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Yeah, the point made here definitely stands up to scrutiny. For instance, take cars, nowadays. If you compare the latest Lexus and Toyota SUV, the Toyota Land Cruiser or the LX570, they are essentially the same car. The Lexus may have a slight advantage in amenities, but there is no substantial difference in production method or end result. And yet, people will pay many thousands of dollars more for the Lexus, because it is advertised as a "higher-end" vehicle. Marx would value both cars equally. But that doesn't matter: the people who buy them certainly value the cars differently.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that Marx ignores are flashes of insight or genius. For instance, take Mozart. He was an impulsive genius, a prodigy, who could pen symphonies with ease. Beethoven, on the other hand, took enormous amounts of time to compose. He was well-known for his perfectionist character. And yet, both Mozart's and Beethoven's works are (more or less) valued equally.