Ideology and Utopia – Karl Mannheim

Published in 1776, 'The Wealth of Nations' is Adam Smith's magnum opus that laid the groundwork for modern economics. The book critiques mercantilist economic theories and introduces the concept of the 'invisible hand,' which describes how individual self-interest leads to societal benefit. It emphasizes the division of labor, the accumulation of capital, and the importance of free markets. Smith argues that a nation's wealth is not measured by its gold and silver reserves but by the stream of goods and services it produces. The book also outlines the core functions of government, such as maintaining defense, enforcing civil law, and promoting education, while advocating for limited government intervention in market activities.

Georg Lukács's "History and Class Consciousness" is a landmark work in Western Marxism, exploring the relationship between history, class consciousness, and revolutionary praxis. Lukács introduces the concept of reification, arguing that capitalist society transforms social relations into seemingly objective things, obscuring their true nature. He emphasizes the importance of achieving class consciousness, a transformative understanding of one's position within the capitalist system. Lukács's work challenges traditional Marxist interpretations of history and emphasizes the role of subjective experience in shaping social reality. His ideas have had a lasting impact on critical theory and Marxist thought.

"Ideology and Utopia" explores how ideologies and utopias shape thought and society. Mannheim examines the relationship between knowledge and social structure, arguing that ideas are always situated within specific historical and social contexts. He introduces the concept of "relationism," emphasizing the importance of understanding perspectives in relation to one another. The book distinguishes between ideologies, which defend the status quo, and utopias, which envision alternative futures. Mannheim seeks to develop a sociology of knowledge that can analyze these perspectives objectively. His work remains influential in sociology and political theory, contributing to discussions on ideology, power, and social change.