Karl Marx explains that man is a "species-being", one who can create his own species but also a species that considers himself to be free (Marx 1994, 63). This idea of man being free is further drawn into life activity. Marx explains that within life activity lies the essence of a species-a "species-character" as he calls it. According to Marx's explanation, a man's species-character is free conscious activity (63). However, the presence of the capitalist mode of production leads into "alienated labour" which presents a challenge to man's species-character. In accordance with the capitalist mode of production, it is important to discuss private property as it is an important aspect of the mode of production. Marx explains that the society, …show more content…
The type of environment that is present within the academic sphere of a university does not promote cooperation as much as it does competition. Certain programs have strict prerequisites to get into, and only offer a limited amount of space. Therefore, it might be in the best interest to focus on oneself instead of others. Furthermore, in a similar sense to how a capitalist owns the means of production, a professor holds a student's marks. The students work on an assignment in the hope of achieving a good grade. However, receiving a bad grade can further create that sense of alienation. However, this aspect of alienation can also extend past university when the time for career searching approaches. The hope of achieving one's dream job, again, promotes competition instead of cooperation. The circumstances here are extraordinarily direr, as this career is the means in which one needs to sustain themselves. If they cannot acquire the work, they cannot acquire the means of sustainability. In other words, a university is a perfect setting for alienation to