Scientific and technological advance are central to the development of society as a whole and have always been of fundamental importance for Communists as a question of theory and practical strategy.
It was scientific advance which made possible the Industrial Revolution in Britain, later studied by Marx, Engels and others, which gave birth to modern industry and the mass working class of Britain.
Rather than using technological advances to raise the living standards and quality of life for the vast majority of working people, the sole focus under capitalism is making the rich richer. Where the automatisation of production could be used to lower prices for working people or shorten the working day for workers, instead capitalists use it to throw workers on the scrapheap and increase their profits.
Scientific advance and what society is truly capable of are being held back by capitalism the control of society and the world by transnational monopolies.
The question of scientific and technological advance is a class issue and has major importance not just for the direction of the class struggle in Britain today – such as the rise of automation and Artificial Intelligence – but also the nature of a socialist society in future.
Socialism offers the potential to unleash Britain and humanity’s true potential and address the problems of poverty, underdevelopment and the climate crisis. Socialism will mean that society’s scientific knowledge is our common property for the use and benefit of all.
Our Science and Technology Commission is composed of comrades and specialists from across Britain and advises the Executive Committee on scientific developments and their wider implications for Party work and the class struggle.
For more information about how to contact the Science & Technology Commission, access the Members Area.
