Social Theory and the Crisis of Marxism

Social Theory and the Crisis of Marxism

Author: Joe McCarney

Publisher: Verso

Published: 1990

Total Pages: 238

ISBN-13: 9780860919483

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It is frequently asserted that Marxism as an intellectual tradition is in a state of crisis. The many defeats and disappointments suffered by socialist movements in the West, and the absence of a working model of a fully achieved socialist society, have prompted much self-questioning. In recent times, various strands of 'post-Marxist' thought have developed which surrender the ideological initiative to the radical right. This philosophical reinterpretation of Marxism seeks to explain the nature and historical origins of the current crisis, and to point a way forward to rebirth. McCarney argues that there are neglected truths about Marxism which need urgently to be restated. Rejecting the dominant interpretation that theory is essentially a critique of capitalist society, he reaffirms the classical Marxist model, in which socialist theory, uncovering a rational order emergent within existing society, reveals to the agents of socialist change their historical role.McCarney's meticulous analysis systematically examines the relationship between theory, critique and social agency to be found in classical Marxism; in the work of such leading Marxists as Lukacs, Adorno and Althusser; and in the recent analytical realist accounts of Marxist theory. The book concludes that theoretical, as well as social or political, advance depends upon the fate of the new proletarian movements, and identifies the developments in philosophy and political economy which are needed to ensure that Marxism remains a living intellectual force in the contemporary world.


Book Synopsis Social Theory and the Crisis of Marxism by : Joe McCarney

Download or read book Social Theory and the Crisis of Marxism written by Joe McCarney and published by Verso. This book was released on 1990 with total page 238 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is frequently asserted that Marxism as an intellectual tradition is in a state of crisis. The many defeats and disappointments suffered by socialist movements in the West, and the absence of a working model of a fully achieved socialist society, have prompted much self-questioning. In recent times, various strands of 'post-Marxist' thought have developed which surrender the ideological initiative to the radical right. This philosophical reinterpretation of Marxism seeks to explain the nature and historical origins of the current crisis, and to point a way forward to rebirth. McCarney argues that there are neglected truths about Marxism which need urgently to be restated. Rejecting the dominant interpretation that theory is essentially a critique of capitalist society, he reaffirms the classical Marxist model, in which socialist theory, uncovering a rational order emergent within existing society, reveals to the agents of socialist change their historical role.McCarney's meticulous analysis systematically examines the relationship between theory, critique and social agency to be found in classical Marxism; in the work of such leading Marxists as Lukacs, Adorno and Althusser; and in the recent analytical realist accounts of Marxist theory. The book concludes that theoretical, as well as social or political, advance depends upon the fate of the new proletarian movements, and identifies the developments in philosophy and political economy which are needed to ensure that Marxism remains a living intellectual force in the contemporary world.


Marx's Theory of Crisis

Marx's Theory of Crisis

Author: Simon Clarke

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-07-27

Total Pages: 301

ISBN-13: 134923186X

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The theory of crisis has always played a central role within Marxism, and yet has been one of its weakest elements. Simon Clarke's important new book provides the first systematic account of Marx's own writings on crisis, examining the theory within the context of Marx's critique of political economy and of the dynamics of capitalism. The book concentrates on the scientific interpretation and evaluation of the theory of crisis, and will be of interest to mainstream economists, as well as to sociologists, political scientists and students of Marx and Marxism.


Book Synopsis Marx's Theory of Crisis by : Simon Clarke

Download or read book Marx's Theory of Crisis written by Simon Clarke and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-07-27 with total page 301 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The theory of crisis has always played a central role within Marxism, and yet has been one of its weakest elements. Simon Clarke's important new book provides the first systematic account of Marx's own writings on crisis, examining the theory within the context of Marx's critique of political economy and of the dynamics of capitalism. The book concentrates on the scientific interpretation and evaluation of the theory of crisis, and will be of interest to mainstream economists, as well as to sociologists, political scientists and students of Marx and Marxism.


Herbert Marcuse and the Crisis of Marxism

Herbert Marcuse and the Crisis of Marxism

Author: Douglas Kellner

Publisher: Univ of California Press

Published: 1984-01-01

Total Pages: 528

ISBN-13: 9780520051768

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This book provides a critical overview of the entirety of Marcuse s work and discusses his enduring importance. Kellner had extensive interviews with Marcuse and provides hitherto unknown information about his road to Marxism, his relations with Heidegger and Existentialism, his involvement with the Frankfurt School, and his reasons for appropriating Freud in the 1950s. In addition Kellner provides a novel interpretation of the genesis and structure of Marcuse s theory of one-dimensional society, of the development of his political theory, and of the role of aesthetics in his critical theory."


Book Synopsis Herbert Marcuse and the Crisis of Marxism by : Douglas Kellner

Download or read book Herbert Marcuse and the Crisis of Marxism written by Douglas Kellner and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 1984-01-01 with total page 528 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a critical overview of the entirety of Marcuse s work and discusses his enduring importance. Kellner had extensive interviews with Marcuse and provides hitherto unknown information about his road to Marxism, his relations with Heidegger and Existentialism, his involvement with the Frankfurt School, and his reasons for appropriating Freud in the 1950s. In addition Kellner provides a novel interpretation of the genesis and structure of Marcuse s theory of one-dimensional society, of the development of his political theory, and of the role of aesthetics in his critical theory."


Crisis and Change Today

Crisis and Change Today

Author: Peter Knapp

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Published: 2011-01-16

Total Pages: 389

ISBN-13: 1442208236

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Crisis and Change Today provides a solid introduction to Marxist social theory. The work's unique voice is expressed in its Socratic-dialogic approach, structured around forty questions that students have about society and social change. Topics range from theories of history, economics, unemployment, racial oppression, the state, fascism, the collapse of the Soviet bloc, and points of convergence and difference between the dialectical approach and other approaches to social science. The content and tone of the work invites students to evaluate various traditional and current explanations of social institutions and social processes and encourages them to weigh the debates and investigate further. The first edition was very well received (Distinguished Scholarship Award of the Section on Marxist Sociology of the ASA), and the second edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to be relevant for students today. Though the first edition was written during the wake of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the growing gap between the rich and the poor and the economic crisis have generated more interest in using Marxist analysis both as a tool to analyze and understand capitalism and the weaknesses of past Marxist praxis.


Book Synopsis Crisis and Change Today by : Peter Knapp

Download or read book Crisis and Change Today written by Peter Knapp and published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. This book was released on 2011-01-16 with total page 389 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Crisis and Change Today provides a solid introduction to Marxist social theory. The work's unique voice is expressed in its Socratic-dialogic approach, structured around forty questions that students have about society and social change. Topics range from theories of history, economics, unemployment, racial oppression, the state, fascism, the collapse of the Soviet bloc, and points of convergence and difference between the dialectical approach and other approaches to social science. The content and tone of the work invites students to evaluate various traditional and current explanations of social institutions and social processes and encourages them to weigh the debates and investigate further. The first edition was very well received (Distinguished Scholarship Award of the Section on Marxist Sociology of the ASA), and the second edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to be relevant for students today. Though the first edition was written during the wake of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the growing gap between the rich and the poor and the economic crisis have generated more interest in using Marxist analysis both as a tool to analyze and understand capitalism and the weaknesses of past Marxist praxis.


Marx's Construction of Social Theory (RLE Marxism)

Marx's Construction of Social Theory (RLE Marxism)

Author: J.M. Barbalet

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2015-04-17

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13: 1317499557

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This study, first published in 1983, explores the connections between Marx’s philosophy and his empirical analysis of society and state, by showing the different meanings of many of Marx’s concepts as their role in his theory changes and the theory itself develops. Beginning with an examination of Marx’s search for a sound epistemological basis on which to build a social theory, Dr Barbalet then gives an analysis of the way in which Marx continually modifies the concepts he uses, and continues with an examination of the different functions they are given in different theoretical settings. Various nuances of Marx’s thought, often obscured by the simplistic ‘early-late’ dichotomy, are revealed by Dr Barbalet’s close attention to the progressive transformation of Marx’s concepts and by his scrupulous analysis of them in not only their textual but also their theoretical context. Finally, the book examines the manner in which Marx’s construction of social theory, by its very nature, means that some material is replaced by other theoretical fabric as the theoretical structure itself is in different ways dismantled and reorganised, as Marx’s thought evolves and develops.


Book Synopsis Marx's Construction of Social Theory (RLE Marxism) by : J.M. Barbalet

Download or read book Marx's Construction of Social Theory (RLE Marxism) written by J.M. Barbalet and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2015-04-17 with total page 236 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study, first published in 1983, explores the connections between Marx’s philosophy and his empirical analysis of society and state, by showing the different meanings of many of Marx’s concepts as their role in his theory changes and the theory itself develops. Beginning with an examination of Marx’s search for a sound epistemological basis on which to build a social theory, Dr Barbalet then gives an analysis of the way in which Marx continually modifies the concepts he uses, and continues with an examination of the different functions they are given in different theoretical settings. Various nuances of Marx’s thought, often obscured by the simplistic ‘early-late’ dichotomy, are revealed by Dr Barbalet’s close attention to the progressive transformation of Marx’s concepts and by his scrupulous analysis of them in not only their textual but also their theoretical context. Finally, the book examines the manner in which Marx’s construction of social theory, by its very nature, means that some material is replaced by other theoretical fabric as the theoretical structure itself is in different ways dismantled and reorganised, as Marx’s thought evolves and develops.


Marx and Modern Social Theory

Marx and Modern Social Theory

Author: Alan Swingewood

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 1975

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Marx and Modern Social Theory by : Alan Swingewood

Download or read book Marx and Modern Social Theory written by Alan Swingewood and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 1975 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Returns of Marxism

Returns of Marxism

Author: Sara R. Farris

Publisher:

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781608465743

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Inspiring and thoroughly researched collection of contemporary Marxist essays that engage the struggle of our times.


Book Synopsis Returns of Marxism by : Sara R. Farris

Download or read book Returns of Marxism written by Sara R. Farris and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Inspiring and thoroughly researched collection of contemporary Marxist essays that engage the struggle of our times.


Social Theory and Postcommunism

Social Theory and Postcommunism

Author: William Outhwaite

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2008-04-15

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13: 1405137843

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Social Theory and Postcommunism undertakes a thorough studyof the implications of post-communism for sociological theory.Written by two leading social theorists, the book discusses thethesis that the fall of communism has decimated alternativeconceptions of social organizations other than capitalism. Analyzes the implications of the fall of communism on socialtheory Discusses alternative ideas of social organizations other thancapitalism, in the wake of the collapse of communism Covers state/civil society, globalization, the future of“modernity,” and post-socialism


Book Synopsis Social Theory and Postcommunism by : William Outhwaite

Download or read book Social Theory and Postcommunism written by William Outhwaite and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2008-04-15 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Social Theory and Postcommunism undertakes a thorough studyof the implications of post-communism for sociological theory.Written by two leading social theorists, the book discusses thethesis that the fall of communism has decimated alternativeconceptions of social organizations other than capitalism. Analyzes the implications of the fall of communism on socialtheory Discusses alternative ideas of social organizations other thancapitalism, in the wake of the collapse of communism Covers state/civil society, globalization, the future of“modernity,” and post-socialism


Capitalism and Modern Social Theory

Capitalism and Modern Social Theory

Author: Anthony Giddens

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1973-02-08

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 1107268044

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Giddens's analysis of the writings of Marx, Durkheim and Weber has become the classic text for any student seeking to understand the three thinkers who established the basic framework of contemporary sociology. The first three sections of the book, based on close textual examination of the original sources, contain separate treatments of each writer. The author demonstrates the internal coherence of their respective contributions to social theory. The concluding section discusses the principal ways in which Marx can be compared with the other two authors, and discusses misconceptions of some conventional views on the subject.


Book Synopsis Capitalism and Modern Social Theory by : Anthony Giddens

Download or read book Capitalism and Modern Social Theory written by Anthony Giddens and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 1973-02-08 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Giddens's analysis of the writings of Marx, Durkheim and Weber has become the classic text for any student seeking to understand the three thinkers who established the basic framework of contemporary sociology. The first three sections of the book, based on close textual examination of the original sources, contain separate treatments of each writer. The author demonstrates the internal coherence of their respective contributions to social theory. The concluding section discusses the principal ways in which Marx can be compared with the other two authors, and discusses misconceptions of some conventional views on the subject.


Marxisms in the 21st Century

Marxisms in the 21st Century

Author: Michelle Willaims

Publisher: NYU Press

Published: 2013-12-01

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 1868148467

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The current resurgence of Marxism is based on new sources of inspiration and creativity from movements that seek democratic, egalitarian and ecological alternatives to capitalism. The Marxism of many of these movements is neither dogmatic nor prescriptive, but rather, open, searching, utopian. It revolves around four primary factors: the importance of democracy for an emancipatory project; the ecological limits of capitalism; the crisis of global capitalism; and the learning of lessons from the failures of Marxist-inspired experiments. Marxisms in the Twenty-First Century challenges vanguardist Marxism featured in South Africa and beyond. Featuring leading thinkers from the Left, the book offers provocative ideas on interpreting our current world and serves as an excellent introduction to new ways of thinking about Marxism to students and scholars in the field. Many anti-capitalist traditions and themes - including democracy, globalisation, feminism, critique and ecology inform and shape the contributions in this volume.


Book Synopsis Marxisms in the 21st Century by : Michelle Willaims

Download or read book Marxisms in the 21st Century written by Michelle Willaims and published by NYU Press. This book was released on 2013-12-01 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The current resurgence of Marxism is based on new sources of inspiration and creativity from movements that seek democratic, egalitarian and ecological alternatives to capitalism. The Marxism of many of these movements is neither dogmatic nor prescriptive, but rather, open, searching, utopian. It revolves around four primary factors: the importance of democracy for an emancipatory project; the ecological limits of capitalism; the crisis of global capitalism; and the learning of lessons from the failures of Marxist-inspired experiments. Marxisms in the Twenty-First Century challenges vanguardist Marxism featured in South Africa and beyond. Featuring leading thinkers from the Left, the book offers provocative ideas on interpreting our current world and serves as an excellent introduction to new ways of thinking about Marxism to students and scholars in the field. Many anti-capitalist traditions and themes - including democracy, globalisation, feminism, critique and ecology inform and shape the contributions in this volume.