Matthew Furlong, a Marxist philosophy expert, delves deep into dialectical materialism and Althusser's essay with Breht. They explore topics like base and superstructure differentiation, agency versus determinism, substance dualism, unintended consequences in history, and the interplay of base and superstructure in Marxist theory. The discussion also covers societal changes, unevenness in dialectical change, ideological manipulation, resistance, and the application of dialectical materialism in historical analysis.
Althusser critiques Engels' model of will, emphasizing the intertwining of wills with the superstructure and the unwilled aspects of will formation within complex historical contexts.
The discussion questions the bourgeois notion of will as a self-directed rational actor, delving into concepts of free will and unveiling the illusory nature of will itself.
Althusser's critique reveals the complexities and shortcomings of Engels' model of will, challenging conventional bourgeois ideas and exploring historical agency beyond simple determinism.
The podcast explores the survival of ideological narratives, indicating a shift in consciousness and access to information, revealing the non-linear progression of transformations and revolutions in a dynamic, uneven change process.
Deep dives
Althuser's Critique of Engels' Concept of Will
Althuser challenges Engels' concept of will, arguing that the will itself is not just a product of physical constitution and external circumstances, but also intertwined with the superstructure. He critiques Engels for not showing the dialectical development of wills and emphasizes the unwilled aspects of the will, questioning how it emerges in a complex historical context.
Engels' Model and the Difficulties in Comprehensive Understanding
While Engels' model offers a helpful entry point to understanding the interconnected forces shaping historical events, Althuser highlights the challenges that arise when delving deeper into the complexities of individual wills and their formation within historical processes.
Bourgeois Conception of Will and the Implications
The discussion questions the bourgeois conception of will as a self-directed, rational actor making choices in self-interest. This concept underpins economic, judicial systems, and societal beliefs. The debate transcends into concepts of free will, unveiling philosophical complexities and possibly illusory nature of the will itself.
Althuser's Final Thoughts on Engels' Model and Will
Althuser's critique illuminates the nuances and shortcomings of Engels' model of will, emphasizing the interplay of individual wills with the superstructure and the unwilled nature of the will itself. This reflection challenges conventional bourgeois notions of will and delves into intricacies of historical agency and determinism.
The Survival of Ideological Ideologies in Changing Material Conditions
The survival of ideological narratives from past eras haunts the present, shaping beliefs and political actions. The inability of the ruling class to convince people of their narratives indicates a shift in consciousness and access to information. The concept of survival helps keep dialectics tied to the sciences by showing the uneven transformation of ideologies and material conditions.
The Impact of Unevenness on Dialectical Change
Unevenness in dialectical change signifies the non-linear progression of events, transformations, and revolutions. The connection between unevenness and the transformation of quantity into quality reveals a dynamic process where states tend toward new forms and structures through successive changes.
Legacy of Feudal Arrangements and Lingering Older Modes of Production
The podcast episode delves into the persistence of older modes of production, highlighting how feudal arrangements continue to influence modern society. The speaker discusses the presence of slavery in contemporary settings, such as the prison system in advanced capitalist societies like America, emphasizing the haunting nature of these remnants of the past. The episode explores the transition from capitalism to communism, examining how socialism aims to move towards a classless society.
Understanding Historical and Non-Historical Objects and Processes
The discussion in the podcast focuses on the relationship between historical and non-historical objects and processes. It delves into the concept of superstructural effects and their intelligibility in the context of historical significance. The episode highlights the complex interplay between events, series, and structures in historical analysis, drawing on insights from thinkers like Foucault and Althusser. By examining events through historical and non-historical perspectives, the podcast encourages nuanced and comprehensive understanding of historical phenomena.
In this final iteration of our long-standing series "Dialectics Deep Dive", Matthew Furlong joins Breht to discuss Althusser's essay "Contradiction and Overdetermination" and in the process they discuss many aspects of dialectical materialism and Marxist philosophy.
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