Class 1: Introduction – Capital, Chapter 1: The Commodity

The video centers on Chapter 1 ("Commodities") of Volume I of Marx's *Capital*, providing both the historical background of the capitalist system and explaining what motivated Marx to write *Capital*—beginning with the most ordinary category, the "commodity," to dissect the cell of capitalist society. The highlight lies in its meticulous, chapter-by-chapter commentary: it does not shy away from difficult passages, rendering key concepts such as "the use-value and value of commodities," "the dual character of labor," and "commodity fetishism" clear and tangible, thereby helping viewers understand how Marx unveils the secret of all capitalist relations of production from what appears to be a simple object. It is well suited to those studying political economy or Marxist philosophy, or anyone wishing to systematically engage with *Capital*; it will also prove instructive for those with a foundational understanding who want to reorganize their grasp of the logical framework. It is recommended to keep paper and pen handy while watching, following along with the original text and taking notes as you go. You may also study the material section by section, digesting each part before moving on to the next, which will allow you to appreciate more fully the accumulating force of Marx's layered argumentation.