ar methods to convey contrasting views of economics, which they believe to be the controlling factor for all political and social aspects in society. Their work was separated in time by almost a century and in general philosophy by a great difference in the way that each viewed the human condition. Although history may have shown Smith to be right, the seriousness of the argument that has emerged from communist philosophy cannot be taken lightly. The key to comparing these two men and their philosophies is understanding that they both had very different ideas on the best economic system even though their material goals were very similar. Capitalism is the term commonly used to describe the economic system that maintains a free market and free trade, benefits individual progress, and promotes personal economic freedom among the various members of society. Smith’s argument was concerned with showing that the economic process can be forever unvarying in its natural behavior, as each man works in favor of his own interests. Marx, on the other hand, envisioned a growing consciousness among the working class of society—that was made possible by economic growth—and would eventually bring about a transformation of the entire social system. Marx talks about “consciousness” and the development of society. He believes that wealth produced by the industrial system makes possible the development of more introspective thought in all people—and most importantly within the working class. Marx sees the potential for intellectual growth that can take society to a new level in fairness and equality. Smith simply states the reasons why all men naturally follow self interest; and that in fact, such a process so happens to lead to the greatest production of wealth in society. In his argument there is not much concern for the development of “consciousness” among men. N distinction is made between the values that...
