ABSTRACT
Ferdinand Toennies uses elements of Marxian ideas in a different combination and thereby produces different results. Marx, Toennies points out, analyzes the capitalistic process as one producing surplus value in the course of the conversion of use value into exchange value. Toennies turns the economic thesis of Marx into a sociological proposition. Toennies underscores the contradiction that is indicated, but not elaborated by Marx, namely, that the work of entrepreneur in directing the course of enterprise represents value producing labor and at the same time exploitation of labor. Toennies adds that Marx neglects the difference between production for the impersonal market and production for the needs of a living community because he is insensitive to the efficacy of moral decisions. He admits that Marx, in terms of his personality, is fired by ethical pathos; but in terms of Marx's theory, the emphasis is on the conquest of political power by proletariat as the contradictory, yet necessary, outcome of capitalistic development.
