Exploring the Tensions Between Democracy and Socialism in Marxian Thought

In this episode, we discuss the contributions of political theorist Norman Geras to socialist debates about revolutionary ethics, movement democracy, and justice. He argues for a right to revolution, but that there’s a difference between political and social revolution, and that this difference tells us something about which ends justify which means. Other topics include state theory, dual power, and the role that Marxism can play in social movements today.

patreon.com/leftofphilosophy

References:

Norman Geras, “Our Morals: The Ethics of Revolution,” Socialist Register 25(1989): 185-211.

Norman Geras, “Democracy and the Ends of Marxism,” New Left Review 1(203)(1994): 92-106.

Norman Geras, “Human Nature and Progress,” New Left Review 1(213): 151-160.

Music:

“Vintage Memories” by Schematist | schematist.bandcamp.com

“My Space” by Overu | https://get.slip.stream/KqmvAN