The Dialectical Connotation of Marx’s Labor Theory of Value: Focusing on “Alienated Labor”

Purpose/Significance “Alienated labor” is not only an important concept of Marx’s labor value theory, but also an important issue involved in the criticism of capitalist production relations by surplus value theory. In combination with the discussion on economic construction in the resolution of the CPC Central Committee on the major achievements and historical experience of the party’s centennial struggle, reanalyzing the dialectical connotation of “alienated labor” is of great significance for correctly understanding the relationship between labor and capital and developing socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics.Design/Methodology Marx’s political economy criticism reveals that labor alienation leads to the opposition between labor and capital. Taking “alienated labor” as the center and making an in-depth interpretation of its dialectical structure can clearly grasp the historical dimension of Marx’s labor theory of value. Conclusions/Findings Firstly, the critical connotation of “alienated labor” is the scientific basis for Marx’s reconstruction of labor value theory; secondly, the historical analysis of “economic social form” by “alienated labor” is an important method for Marx to construct a reasonable mode of production; thirdly, “alienated labor”, as a negative dialectic of capital, shows the profound historical criticism and judgment of Marx’s labor theory of value.