Critique of the Gotha Program
Session One: Marx on the Gotha Program
In this session we clarify the difference between unity in action and programmatic unity, define the oft misused term “sectarian”, ask if Lassalle’s infamous theory of the “reactionary mass” is ever valid and if so how, discuss the “iron law of wages” and examine the ever popular Lassallian panacea of “state aid”. We further ask why are trade unions important for socialists and why socialism does not mean equality. Finally we discuss the implications of communism emerging from the womb of capitalism, investigate the difference between the communist and the democratic program and ask how to avoid “ideological nonsense”.
Readings: Karl Marx – Critique of The Gotha Program
The Virginia Worker 