Study Questions and Suggested Essay Topics
How is it that M' is bigger than M in the M-C-M' model of circulation?
According to Marx, is there room for compromise between the interests of the
workers and the interests of the capitalists?
What is the labor theory of value? What are the potential criticisms of this
theory?
Does Marx respect capitalists at all? What positive traits does he attribute to
capitalism?
Many of Marx's predictions in Capital, such as the fate of the worker and
the capitalist system, have not corresponded with history. To what extent has
the course of events refuted Marx's theories? Is there still a place for Marx in
contemporary dialogue?
Some economists present capitalism as part of human nature. Marx would disagree.
Explain why and evaluate the force of his arguments.
What is the impact of modern labor on the character and well-being of the
worker, according to Marx? How much of his theory depends on his beliefs about
the situation of workers?
What is the division of labor? What is its impact on workers?
What do you see as the greatest strength and the greatest weakness in Marx's
theory? Explain.
