I've been reading Capital off and on for months and this is a seemingly pretty important difference that I don't understand. Is there a difference between surplus labor and profit, and if so, what is it? Any explanations, links, or chapters in Capital I should check out are appreciated.

  • quarrk [he/him]
    ·
    2 months ago

    "All economists share the error of examining surplus-value not as such, in its pure form, but in the particular forms of profit and rent. What theoretical errors must necessarily arise from this will be shown [...] in the analysis of the greatly changed form which surplus-value assumes as profit."

    — Marx's opening statement to "Volume 4" of Capital, Theories of Surplus Value

    There is a difference between profit and surplus-value. It can be summed up pretty much as follows:

    1. Surplus value is the general, abstract form of economic exploitation which enables a non-working ruling class. Profit is one concrete form taken by surplus-value.
    2. Profit includes constant capital. Surplus value does not.