Dialectics Deep Dive IIX: Contradiction and Overdetermination (Pt. 1)
Feb 8, 2024
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In this episode, the hosts delve deep into dialectics, discussing Althusser, Hegel, and Dialectical Materialism. They explore the concept of contradiction, the dangers of collapsing everything into the economy, and the significance of understanding Hegel's inversion. The chapter also examines the contradictions within different societal systems and highlights the role of contradictions in revolutions. They critique the oversimplification of the 99% versus 1% narrative and delve into the dangers of developmental thinking. They also discuss the concept of the end of history and its critique, as well as contradictions and overdetermination in historical development.
Contradiction drives change and development, focusing on internal contradictions within each individual thing.
Overdetermination recognizes the intricate web of influences and factors shaping events and challenges the notion of a single cause-effect relationship.
Unevenness highlights the complexity of social processes, acknowledging that different elements can change at different rates or directions.
Survival, historical inhibition, and revolutionary rupture are essential concepts in navigating social change and revolution.
Understanding contradictions within the bourgeoisie and proletariat is crucial in analyzing class struggle and capitalist dynamics.
Deep dives
Contradiction: The essence of dialectics
Contradiction is the essence of dialectics, according to the podcast. Instead of viewing dialectics as simply the collision or synthesis of opposing forces, dialectics focuses on the internal contradictions within each individual thing. This internal contradiction drives the process of change and development. Dialectics recognizes that reality is not static, but constantly evolving through the interplay of contradictory elements. Understanding contradiction is essential to grasp the true nature of reality.
Overdetermination: Breaking the asymmetry
Overdetermination refers to the complex interplay of multiple factors that shape events or phenomena. The podcast emphasizes that there are situations where no objective fact can determine one outcome over another, leading to a symmetrical dilemma or ambiguity. The example given is when a solution suddenly strikes someone's mind. At the instant of realization, there is no determinate knowledge since the situation is symmetrical. Overdetermination challenges the notion of a single cause-effect relationship and recognizes the intricate web of influences and factors that contribute to any given event.
Unevenness: Accounting for temporal disjunctions
Unevenness refers to the recognition that different elements or aspects of a system or society can undergo change and development at different rates or in different directions. The podcast stresses that temporal disjunctions between different generations or cultural conditions can impact subjective experiences and perceptions. For example, the mindset of one generation may be influenced by expectations inherited from a previous generation, despite significant changes in material conditions. Unevenness highlights the need to consider the complexity and diversity of social processes and realities rather than assuming uniformity.
The podcast briefly mentions the concepts of survival, historical inhibition, and revolutionary rupture. Survival pertains to the existence and persistence of particular social systems or structures, even when their contradictions become apparent. Historical inhibition refers to the ways in which historical events or systems can constrain or limit possibilities for change. Revolutionary rupture emphasizes the importance of radical and transformative breaks when attempting to transform society or challenge existing power structures. These concepts highlight the complex dynamics and challenges involved in navigating social change and revolution.
Contradictions within the Boroswazi and proletariat
Althazir emphasizes the internal contradictory nature of both the Boroswazi and proletariat. He argues that understanding these contradictions is crucial in analyzing the struggle between the two classes. For example, within the Boroswazi, the contradiction between industrial and finance capital is significant, as finance capital has subordinated industrial capital in the current capitalist landscape. Similarly, the proletariat contains elements of the Boroswazi within it, as seen in cases like public pension funds that depend on the Boroswazi's investments and contribute to the bourgeoisie's suppression of the working class.
Overdetermination and Historical Contradictions
Althazir explores the concept of overdetermination, emphasizing that historical contradictions are not isolated and singular, but rather interconnected and complex. He argues that the interactions between various elements of the superstructure, such as political forms, dominant ideology, and historical situations, shape and specify the capital-labor contradiction. Overdetermination is not limited to exceptional situations, but rather exists universally, as contradictions are present in various historical scenarios. Althazir highlights the importance of considering the interplay of multiple determinations to fully understand social and political struggles.
Russia as the Weakest Link in the Imperialist Chain
Althazir examines why the Russian Revolution succeeded in a country that was seemingly less developed and advanced than others. He attributes this triumph to Russia's position as the weakest point in the system of imperialist states. The accumulation and exacerbation of historical contradictions in Russia, including feudal exploitation, large-scale capitalist and imperialist exploitation, and internal class struggles, contributed to the revolution. This exceptional situation in Russia, marked by an accumulation of contradictions, was insoluble for the ruling classes, providing the objective conditions for a successful revolution. Althazir emphasizes the significance of understanding the unevenness of capitalist development and its role in shaping revolutionary possibilities.
The danger of developmental thinking and its link to substance dualism and vulgar Marxism
Developmental thinking in dialectics can lead to substance dualism or vulgar Marxism. Substance dualism reduces complex contradictions to a simple 99% versus 1% framework, overlooking the nuances and different interests within the working class. Vulgar Marxism, on the other hand, views capitalism as disappearing in developed countries through the compromise of welfare states and state-regulated capitalism. However, this adaptation only transfers the conflict between rich and poor to the international stage, posing the danger of international war and worsening global inequalities.
The importance of viewing words as indices instead of names or labels
Words, like materialism, have different significations indexed to particular practices. Viewing words as indices loosens the grip of anxiety over terminology, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of their uses in different contexts. This enables a more fruitful analysis, recognizing that words are not fixed labels, but rather tied to specific practices and political interests. Embracing this perspective helps to avoid reductionism and fosters a deeper engagement with complex contradictions and dialectical thinking.
