Marxism

From Fancyclopedia 2, ca. 1959

The set of sociological theories worked out by Karl Marx, which form the basis of the Communist Party's program, various other more or less revolutionary doctrines, and in fandom the proposals of the Michelists. Marxism holds that the course of history is determined by economic forces which create a dominant class and an opposing class. The clash between these leads to the emergence of a new society with a new dominant class -- after which the process is repeated. It was held that the present world is governed by the unproductive Capitalists, but as technology develops the exploited classes will come to feel a unity against their oppressors, and resist them by various means -- revolution, unionization, social legislation, etc. The Marxists desire that this revolution or whatever be led by men who know what to do next; in the extreme case, to set up a "dictatorship of the proletariat" which will establish a temporary socialistic society until people have become reeducated and fit for pure communism.

From Fancyclopedia 1, ca. 1944

The set of sociological theories worked out by Karl Marx, which forms the basis of the Communist Party's program and the proposals of the Michelists. Marxism believes that the course of history is determined by economic forces; that such conditions create a dominant class and an opposing class; that clash between these two leads to the emergence of a new society and a new dominant class, after which the process is repeated. It is held that the present world is governed by the unproductive capitalists, but as technology develops, the exploited classes will come to feel a unity against their exploiters, and will rise against them in revolution. The Marxists desire that their revolution, when it comes, be led by men who know what to do next: to set up a dictatorship for the proletariat which will establish a temporary socialistic society until people have become reeducated and fit for pure communism.