The marxian theory of value as a critique to the categories of political economy

Abstract

Unlike the economistic understanding of Marxian theory of value and its resulting reduction to the theoretical level of classical political economy, this paper analyzes its essential critical dimension and the fundamental differences that draw it apart from classical theories of value. It emphasizes that the main objective of Marx’ theoretical exposition is to show the specific social character of value, which takes place through a complete theoretical redefinition of the economic categories. This makes clear that the Marxian critique of political economy is derived from the exposition of the categories, whereby the social relations that set up the basis of the capitalist system are revealed.