The main problem raised includes that of the use of machinery and modern innovations in the production of commodities (Marx, 1906). The author strives to bring out an argument that is crucial in identify and clarifying whether the use of machinery has, in any way, helped in improving working conditions.
According to the author, the capitalist system is where the employee works for few hours while using machines in the workplace (Marx, 1906). In addition, the employees produce more when using machines and yet they receive little pay for their work (Marx, 1906).
The author’s argument focuses on the discussion that machines can be regarded as a means with which capitalists produce surplus value. Another key argument raised by the author focuses on the mode of production, both in the manufacture and the modern industry (Marx, 1906).
The author contends that the revolution in the production mode starts with labor power in the manufacture while, in modern industry, it starts with the instruments that deal with labor (Marx, 1906).
Another conclusion that the author makes in the text includes the argument that machines perform the same duties as those performed by human beings (Marx, 1906). As discussed by the author, the modern industry considers machines as the key tools to be used in the production of goods.
The modern world has developed to such an extent that machines can be used in the production of other machines (Marx, 1906). The author gives a historical account of the development of machines over the years (Marx, 1906). The author concludes that the number of implements that can be used by a human being tend to be limited to the body organs.
Thus, a human being may not be capable of operating many machines at the same time (Marx, 1906). On the invention, as well as advancement of machinery, the author states that, in Germany, there had been attempts to have two spinning wheels work with a single spinner (Marx, 1906). However, this turned out to be impossible.
The author contends that it is the discovery of a treddle spinning wheel that had two spindles and other discoveries, which had an effect on machinery development (Marx, 1906). The author discusses the various ways through which machines could be driven in industries. For example, the Arkwright throstle-spinning mill could be turned by water.
The text also explains the invention of the prime mover, which could be driven by both water and coal and whose power could be controlled by humans (Marx, 1906). The author contends that the conversion of tools from manual to mechanical implements played a crucial role in the advancement of the machines (Marx, 1906).
This is because the motive mechanism could be driven by other machines, hence allowing it to drive more machines than in the past (Marx, 1906).
The author concludes that, in a machinery system that can be regarded as real, machines of various kinds supplement each other in the production process (Marx, 1906). This enhances the division of labor in the manufacturing process, whereby various machines and various workers operate the machinery at various stages in the production of a commodity (Marx, 1906).
Another issue that the author has tackled includes how the machines supply the materials to each other in the production process (Marx, 1906). This is especially the case in commodities, which require various machines in their production. According to the author, the essence of the factory system is to increase production in the industries and ensure maximization of profits (Marx, 1906).
Reference List
Marx, K. (1906). Capital: A Critique of Political Economy. New York: Modern Library.