Marx, Revolution, and Social Democracy

Philip J. Kain argues that Marx was a radical democrat who believed in the compatibility of socialist society with a market controlled by democratically elected institutions. He argues against the depiction of Marx as either utopian or totalitarian and makes a case for Marx as a social democrat whose strongest legacy is found in Western Europe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Many individuals perceive Karl Marx as a totalitarian and Soviet Marxism as the inevitable consequence of his ideas. However, when presented with textual evidence demonstrating that Marx was a radical democrat, their perspectives often shift, leading them to perceive him as utopian. Whether characterized as totalitarian or utopian, these perceptions dominate the discourse. How can we effectively challenge and rectify this misguided image?

Philosopher Philip J. Kain presents four key arguments to establish the relationship between Marx and social democracy. Firstly, he contends that a socialist society can coexist with a market economy if markets are controlled to eliminate alienation. Secondly, Kain argues that markets can be democratically controlled. Thirdly, he asserts that Marx's theory of revolution aligns with a democratic electoral movement led by a social democratic party. Lastly, Kain highlights that Marx and Engels collaborated with the German Social Democratic Party of Liebknecht, Bebel, Bernstein, and Kautsky, which eventually became the largest party in Germany and the largest socialist party in the world.

If social democracy truly represents the essence of Marxism, then it is inaccurate to label Marx as a totalitarian. Social democracy does not exhibit any traits remotely resembling totalitarianism. Similarly, it cannot be classified as utopian. Social democratic principles are prevalent throughout Western Europe. Furthermore, social democratic parties have consistently opposed the undemocratic tactics employed by Soviet Marxism.

Based on these four compelling points, Kain makes a case for Marx as a social democrat, emphasizing that his most significant legacy is found in Western Europe. By challenging the dichotomous portrayal of Marx as either utopian or totalitarian, Kain offers a more nuanced and accurate understanding of his ideas and their impact on society.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 217 x 148 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197667187