1. Explain the concept of alienation. Explain, further, how capitalism in particular produces this effect. What sort of conception of human nature is at work here? Analyze the concept and comment is it legitimate? Is it philosophically useful? 2. Explain historical materialism. What is it? What are its structures? Explain some political or social phenomenon using historical materialism. Finally, analyze and comment. How well does historical materialism serve as an explanatory insturment? What are some of its strengths and weaknesses, if any?