| This question <34|34> overall <27|30> Neolib: <562-2|59>. graded A |
| Question 682: Carefully explain to what extent the relations of production are determinate, necessary, and independent of people's wills. |
| [29] Neolib: Determinate, necessary, and independent. Relations of production as defined by Dr. Ehrbar are “the interpersonal relations of the producers in the production process, as well as the wider web of social relations and institutions determining who produces what and who gets to consume it.” Cohen's interpretation is much more coarse, and frankly quite lacking, in that he subscribes solely to the sanctity of property rights (i.e who owns what), without recognizing the importance of the social relations that are inevitable in the production process. This seems to negate Marx entirely in that the quote itself begins with “In the social production of their lives...” |
| There is no question that man is a by-product of his stimulus and his environment, regardless of introspective context. Epistemology is a valid science, and “how and what we learn” is passed on, and beyond individual control. Simply put, “Monkey see -- Monkey do” (w/apologies to non-evolutionists). The relations that society finds themselves in are predetermined by the prior generations' actions and beliefs. As society has evolved, man has continually sought to move forward in a somewhat progressive way, most notably in the form of production processes. |
| More pointedly, and in relation to Marx, the materialistic needs of man drive him (actually “condition” him) to continually move forward with new “modes of production.” I think, as do many others, that this evolution of materialism, and persistent focus on production is partly the result of unrestrained technological leaps. These progressions allow for bigger, faster, smarter, etc.. To say that technology is the sole reason for man's predisposition seems lacking and would be a wrong interpretation, but there is no question that man's role (labor power) in production is determinate. Even a novice (like myself) can look at the shift in the U.S. the last 40 years from a production to a service oriented economy and see that this was necessitated by the relative cost of “productive powers.” Labor power in relation to material production is exported (misery, eh?) while secondary and menial service sector labor markets are frequently imported. The market dictates, and determines this shift, not on the individual whims of man, but predicated largely on the aforementioned technological innovations, driven by the material needs of man. Is it a conspiracy? No...that is too easy. It is us, (in the broadest collective sense), which brings me to the next aspect of the question. Is it necessary? |
| This necessity can be seen in two different lights. For Marxist prophecy to continue to unfold -- it is necessary, (or is it happening as we speak?) as Marx states “one must rather explain this consciousness from the contradictions of material life, from the conflict between the present social productive powers and relations of production.” To get to “his” foreboding real “history” of the world it is necessary. But Marx makes no claims to divinity (the irony) and his commentary is a prospective vision, not a literal one. His vision is of a monster (capitalistic production) that is left unrestrained. |
| This necessity can be negated only if our collective consciousness can be “re-conditioned”, not by the mode of production, and our materialistic needs, but driven by more altruistic motives such as the social welfare of mankind. |
| Can we stop technology? Absolutely not...Technology is man's creation, remember? It is not some evil faceless monster. The real question is “Can we stop ourselves?” Or shall we continue to act “independent of one's will?” Production for consumption is a necessary evil. Market forces becoming deities and irreversible destruction is not. |
| Sharing Marx's optimism here, I too feel that “mankind always sets itself only tasks that it is able to solve...”. Have we gone too far? Have we become pre-conditioned slaves to the consumer cattle mentality? Can we break the bonds of servitude to the “modes of production?” The future, and the answer, lies within us. Will it take the death of capitalism and social revolution to achieve this? This answer my friend...lies within you. |
| Hans: You are using the term “modes of production” incorrectly. |
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