Both Karl Marx and Charles Darwin used classification to improve their ideas; human classification in particular. Marx classifies human beings in a society as part of the bourgeoisie or proletariat while on the other hand, Darwin classifies human beings based on their gender. The most notable thing regarding classification is that both authors use it differently. Marx uses classification to show class differences between people, but Darwin ultimately uses the differences as a side note to a broader similarity between humans and other organisms. Therefore both authors use classification as a means of comparison to support their theories. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In The Communist Manifesto, Marx begins with a bold statement stating that "[t]he history of all hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggles." (Marx 62) We see here that Marx is starting to bring up the fact that throughout written history there have been clashes between the oppressed and the oppressors. An example of this would be in feudalism where there are complex hierarchies with lords, vassals, guild masters and serfs. Marx's theory of history states that capitalism followed feudalism, but in capitalism class divisions are simplified only into the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. With these two classifications, Marx makes sure to note that even though the modern bourgeoisie has emerged from the fall of feudalism, class antagonisms are still in place. The only thing that changed was “new conditions of oppression, new forms of struggle to replace the old ones” (Marx 63). We see here that even with changes in government, the same class struggle is still present. Marx emphasizes the differences between both the bourgeoisie and the proletarians. Since they were created, the proletariats have been oppressed by the bourgeoisie (Marx 74). Here in a bourgeois society, society thrives due to the exploitation of working proletarians. The proletarians are those who work in factories and farms while the bourgeoisie are those in charge who own the means of production. It is evident in many ways that every “step in the development of the bourgeoisie has been accompanied by a corresponding political progress in that class.” (Marx 65) Here in a bourgeois society, society thrives due to the exploitation of working proletarians. The bourgeoisie only cares about itself and money, which according to Marx is a problem of modern bourgeois society. With every step forward that the proletarians make to support society, the bourgeoisie continues to develop. Therefore, through the relationships between the two classes, we can see that the classification of the oppressed and the oppressor fits here, seen through Marx's way of contrasting the bourgeoisie and the proletariat based on their power in relation to each other. Ultimately, this classification helps his argument for communism because it recognizes this difference and promotes the interests of the proletariat. While Marx supported his thesis with a clear difference, Darwin demonstrates his claim of a common ancestor through evolution by first contrasting males and females and then comparing humans as a whole to other organisms. Darwin has a traditional view of gender when he starts with women. Women differ in “mental disposition, chiefly in her greater tenderness and less selfishness…due to her maternal instincts” (Darwin 234). The woman is perceived as more docile especially after giving birth. He would apply these qualities to the child as it is his nature to behave kindly and, 1998.
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