PlasticPills - Philosophy & Critical Theory Podcast Pill Pod 115 - Althusser and Structuralist Marxism
Mar 17, 2023
Explore Althusser's unique perspective on Marxism, critiques of traditional theory, and influence on European Marxist community. Delve into materialist lens, symptomatic reading, and over-determination in Marxism. Discuss new Marxist thinkers, value creation, economic determinism critique, and complex causation in Marxism. Conclude with gratitude for a productive conversation and humorous touch, along with AI in audio industry and Chumba Casino advertisements.
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Althusser’s Structuralist Turn
- Althusser champions a structuralist, anti-humanist Marx that treats theory as its own practice rather than moral guidance for organizing.
- He aims to fix theoretical confusions in Marxism by replacing humanist slogans with structuralist methods.
Marx’s Epistemological Break
- Althusser argues for an epistemological break between early 'humanist' Marx and later scientific Marx focused on production.
- He rejects reading Marx as merely an inversion of Hegel and urges attention to concrete modes of production.
Start From Concrete Productions
- Althusser urges starting analysis from specific productions and events rather than imposing preexisting concepts like 'alienation.'
- He develops the symptomatic reading to reveal conditions that produced a text or event.