KARL MARX’S

“CAPITAL” Book 1, Part 1:

Commodities and
Money
In this presentation, we will explore the key concepts introduced by Karl
Marx in his book "Capital," such as commodities, value, and money.
by Madson Ribeiro
Use Value and Value: The Substance
and Magnitude of Commodities
Use Value
A commodity has use value, which is its ability
to satisfy a need or want. Use values are not
determined by the market, but by the
producers and consumers themselves.
Value
A commodity also has exchange value, which
is the ratio at which it exchanges for another
commodity. The value of a commodity is
determined by the amount of socially
necessary labor time required for its production.
The Two-fold Character of Labor
Embodied in Commodities

Concrete Labor Abstract Labor

Concrete labor is the particular kind of work that Abstract labor is the socially necessary labor
goes into the production of a particular use time required for a commodity's production. It is
value. It is what makes one type of labor what makes one type of labor equal to another.
different from another.
The Forms of Value
Expanded Form of Value
The expanded form of value
expresses the relative values of one
commodity in terms of many other
commodities.
Money Form of Value
The money form of value is the
highest form of expression of the
value of a commodity. It is the
general equivalent form of value.

1 2
Elementary Form of Value
The elementary form of value
expresses the relative value of one
commodity in terms of another. It
has two poles, the relative form and
the equivalent form.
3 4
General Form of Value
The general form of value expresses
the relative value of a commodity in
terms of all other commodities in
society.
The Fetishism of Commodities and the
Secret Thereof
Commodity
Fetishism
Commodity fetishism is the
process by which people
attribute mystical properties to
commodities, such as their
ability to create wealth or
happiness. This is a fetish
because these properties only
exist in the social relations
between people.
Alienation
Alienation is the experience of
being separated from one's
own humanity or work, as well
as from other people and the
world. This happens when labor
is turned into a commodity, and
workers lose control over their
own work.
Class Struggle
Class struggle is the conflict
between the owners of the
means of production (the
capitalists) and the workers
who are forced to sell their
labor power to survive. Marx
argues that this conflict is the
driving force of historical
development.
The Historical Importance of "Capital"

An Economic Masterpiece A Revolutionary Theory

"Capital" is not only a critique of capitalism but Marx's theories in "Capital" would have a
also an analysis of its inner workings. It remains a profound impact on political movements around
key reference for economic theory and social the world, from socialist and communist ones, to
sciences. anti-colonial struggles and worker cooperatives.
The Legacy of "Capital"
1 Critical Theory
The critical theory developed
by Marx and his followers
remains influential in
disciplines such as sociology,
philosophy, and literary
studies.
2 Political Movements
The Marxist tradition has
inspired political movements
and trade unions around the
world, advocating for social
justice and the rights of the
working class.

3 Contemporary Relevance
The ideas discussed in "Capital" are still relevant today, as capitalism
continues to shape the world and generate inequalities.
Conclusion

Through "Capital," Marx aimed to uncover the hidden mechanisms of capitalism, demystify the social
relations of production, and offer an alternative worldview. His ideas have sparked debates, protests, and
social changes, and his legacy continues to inspire thinkers and activists around the world.