Karl Marx Life and Philosophy

For the algorithm. This channel should be way bigger than it is. Good teachers are hard to find.

That was probably the simplest explanation of dialectical materialism I've ever heard. 

Cecil's lectures are without personal bias. I like that.

I know someday I want to become a teacher, this lecture is so well done and presented that Dr. Cecil has become one of my teaching role models.

Wow, there are a lot of ignorant people on here. Adam Smith's conception of capitalism does not resemble modern capitalism in any but the most broad concepts. And surprise, the same is true of Marx. Stalin does not equal Marx, and Reagan does not equal Smith. Its as simple as that.

He prophesized the current state of the United States. Marx warned that in the later stages of capitalism huge corporations would exercise a monopoly on global markets. “The need of a constantly expanding market for its products chases the bourgeoisie over the entire surface of the globe,” he wrote. “It must nestle everywhere, settle everywhere, establish connections everywhere.” These corporations, whether in the banking sector, the agricultural and food industries, the arms industries or the communications industries, would use their power, usually by seizing the mechanisms of state, to prevent anyone from challenging their monopoly. They would fix prices to maximize profit. They would, as they [have been doing], push through trade deals such as the TPP and CAFTA to further weaken the nation-state’s ability to impede exploitation by imposing environmental regulations or monitoring working conditions. And in the end these corporate monopolies would obliterate free market competition.

People have a poor understanding of Marx's thought, Americans in particular seem to be reeeally traumatized (or brainwashed, some would say) by anything that relates to Marx; some even reduce their world understanding as a Communism vs Capitalism notion. The truth is Marx was one of the finest thinkers of all time, one of the pillars of modern Social Sciences.

Little known fact: Karl Marx had a sister who invented the starter pistol. Her name was Anya.

Majority of plebs causing arguments here just typed in 'Marx' in youtube to start a fight.  Guaranteed you act first think later, like true keyboard warriors. Listen to the words Wes is saying.. You may not agree with Marx, in fact you don't have to, but he contributed a cohesive and critical understanding of Man's motivations in the real world. Isn't that fascinating to any of you bible bashing zealots?

Wes has become one of my favorite YouTube intellectuals. His lectures are very engaging I have most of his lectures on my watch list. If anyone know of more folks who do this on YouTube, please let me know!

Thanks, Wes. Always appreciate your lectures.

This lecturer deserves a Medal for this

I Listened to this and it blew my mind, and changed what I thought I knew, I am currently looking up more info on Marx,

My 11 year old company (15 employees) was driven out of business by the banks (withdrew loans and working capital) because employees were well taken care of thereby company never made large profits.

Thanks Dr. Cecil, we couldn't appear in your classes but We can learn from far away

Have you read The Class Matrix by Vivek Chibber? Would love to hear your thoughts on it.

Boy, there sure a lot people who can't tell the difference between Marx's philosophy, and those who set up murderous regimes in its name. I don't remember ever reading Marx endorsing the purported movements that followed after his publication. His critique of capitalism mostly right, but thats because of his treaties was more on human nature rather than supporting a political ideology. For all you other non-zombies who still have yet to make up your mind on the MERITS of Marx's work, just know that what the Maos, Stalins, Pinochets, Castros, and Kims etc, have little to nothing to do with Marx. Sure, they may quote Marx, but their primary impulse is to power and any political ideology would have gotten the job done.

Excellent channel, wonderful. Please upload more lectures! 👍

if only my professor was this awsome

Your lectures are amazing. I learned a lot from them. Thank you.