Karl Marx

- capitalism is a peculiar economic system 

- two classes - bourgeoisie and proletariat 

- this is a direct consequence of capitalism - not natural or necessary feature of society

- these classes are needed for capitalism to function 

• surplus value 
• capitalists cannot make profit unless they exploit workers 
• marx sees surplus value as basis of capitalism and key for understanding why it persists

• the two classes need each other 
• their relationship can only be based on exploitation 
• mutual need for each other does not mean harmony 
• only working class can achieve full consciousness and bring happiness to society through revolution - a future without social class
• class conflict is inevitable but so is revolution 
• communist manifesto: "its fall and the victory of the proletariat are equally inevitable"