Exploring the Foundations of Capital: Insights from ‘Das Kapital’

Introduction This report aims to examine the foundational concepts of capital as articulated by Karl Marx in his seminal work, “Das Kapital.” Published in 1867, “Das Kapital” delves into the mechanics of capitalism, the nature of commodities, the role of labor in value creation, and the systemic dynamics that underpin capitalist economies. The purpose of this report is to explore Marx’s critique of political economy, particularly focusing on how he addresses the concept of capital and its implications for social relations and economic structures. By analyzing Marx’s insights, this report seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of capital’s role in shaping economic systems and its broader social implications.

The Nature of Capital At the heart of Marx’s analysis is the distinction between “use value” and “exchange value.” Use value refers to the utility of a commodity, while exchange value is the value assigned to a commodity in the marketplace. Marx argues that in a capitalist society, the pursuit of exchange value often