Valeria Ramos
Professor Nolen
Intro to Philosophy
4 December 2017
Capitalism and the U.K. Capitalism has been an ever increasing ideology in the modern world ever since the fall of the Iron Curtain. The purpose of this essay is to apply Karl Marx’s theory of Capitalism on the Brexit vote in 2016. The united kingdom’s vote towards brexit was a case of self interest. Karl marx published works on capitalism provide insight relevant to the events leading up to the decision for the EU withdrawal.
Founded only 25 years ago, the European Union was formed on the inspiration and ideals of a peaceful and prosperous union. It currently consists of a total 28 member countries including Germany, France, Italy, Belgium and other Mediterranean countries.
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Marx gathers seven criticisms towards capitalism and categorizes people as being either Bourgeoisie or Proletariat. The bourgeoisie are the rulers in a capitalist system, the corporate elite. The proletarians are the working-class people. In the first criticism, Marx points out the economic greed and inequality of a capitalist system, a system that possesses the resources to provide but won’t give because the owners of that system do not want to suffer profit losses. The second criticism states that the proletariat, the working-class are the reason the system have the necessary resources but are not given the privilege to own or afford the same, if any, luxuries the bourgeoisie own. This system demonstrates the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat in which the the bourgeoisie has built it against society. As a result, this establishes a culture of conflict and self-interest where society convinces itself that each individual is a threat to the other, institutionalizing political, economic and social competition. This conditions humanity to alienate themselves from one another, instilling a cynical view of the world around them. The same culture mentioned in the first criticism is the same culture that can be seen anywhere in the U.S. The U.S. values money and exploitation of labour workers whether it be through tax breaks, 60-cent wages for manufacturing overpriced athletic apparel or a basic human necessity