Is Marxism a Post-Philosophy or a Philosophy?

The analytical question of whether Marxism is a post-philosophy or a philosophy remains a subject of debate among scholars and thinkers. Karl Marx, in his own words, dismissed philosophy as simply interpreting the world; he believed the task was to change it. This raises the intriguing query: does Marxist thought qualify as a philosophy, or is it a product of a different intellectual framework?

The Context of Marxism

Marx's approach to philosophy is profoundly clear in his statement that his work was not simply about interpreting the world but changing it. Building upon the legacies of German philosophy, English political economy, and French socialism, Marx aimed to address the social and economic conditions of his time. He saw himself as a scientist and not a philosopher, attributing a significant portion of his efforts to transforming the social order rather than exploring philosophical concepts.

Marxian Alienation

A key concept in Marxist thought is alienation. Alienation theory posits that individuals become estranged from their labor, from the products of their labor, from other individuals, and from themselves due to the capitalist mode of production. This theory, while deeply rooted in economic and social structures, does address human relationships and thus can be seen as philosophical in nature. However, Marx seldom engaged in sustained philosophical reflection, instead focusing on the practical application of his ideas to alter social conditions.

Marx's Rejection of Philosophy

Marx himself explicitly distanced himself from the label of philosopher. In one of his letters, he referred to the philosophers who interpreted the world and interpreted their views on it. His statement, 'The point is to change it,' indicates a fundamental shift in the purpose of philosophical inquiry. Marx saw philosophers as ideologues, whose interpretations were often colored by interests and class biases.

He further rejected the idea that Marxist thought could be considered a philosophy. In a letter to Vera Zasulich, Marx expressed his desire to distance his work from philosophical categories. He believed that his mission was to change the world, not to dwell on philosophical questions.

Constructing Marxist Philosophies

Despite Marx's stated position, various academic thinkers have attempted to construct what they consider to be Marxist philosophies. For instance:

Dialectical Materialism: This is a philosophy attempting to explain the transformation of the economic base and the superstructure of society. Materialism: Lenin, in his writings, defended what he called materialism against empiriocriticism, aligning with a physicalist perspective. Marxist Dialectics: Georg Lukacs's Hegelian Marxism. Analytical Marxism: Efforts to maintain the standards of modern analytical philosophy and empirical social science. Prominent figures include G.A. Cohen, who wrote "Capitalism, Democracy, and Freedom," and Nancy Fraser, who has written extensively on Marxist and feminist theory.

Yet, none of these attempts can be said to be the "correct" Marxist philosophy. Marx himself sought to move beyond traditional philosophical concerns, recognizing the limitations of philosophical inquiry in addressing social and economic realities.

The Nature of Post-Philosophy

The concept of post-philosophy is subjective and often refers to a temporal shift in focus rather than a definitive categorization. Just as Einstein's work doesn't fit neatly into the category of traditional philosophy, Marxism, in its modern application, doesn't adhere to the rigid boundaries of philosophical discourse.

For some, philosophy is seen as an extension of religion, suggesting that philosophy and religion are simply different stages in the evolution of human thought. In this context, Marx's dismissal of philosophy as mere interpretation and his focus on practical change can be seen as a precursor to the idea of post-philosophy, where the task is not to interpret the world but to change it.

Conclusion

Given the historical and theoretical context, it is safe to conclude that Marxism is not a philosophy in the traditional sense. Rather, it is a system that seeks to transform human society and economic structures through practical means. While Marxist thought can incorporate philosophical elements, its primary mission is the transformation of the material world, not the exploration of abstract ideas.

Marx's assertion that the philosophers have only interpreted the world and have not changed it points to a fundamental difference in approach. Instead of engaging in philosophical speculation, Marx focused on the practical application of his ideas to address the social and economic injustices of his time.

The concept of post-philosophy, then, is not a rejection of philosophy but a recognition of its limitations in the face of practical, material needs. It challenges the traditional notion of philosophy as an autonomous field and extends the scope of intellectual inquiry to include the transformation of society.

Whether one views Marxism as a post-philosophy or a philosophy is ultimately a matter of perspective. For those who see philosophy as the interpretation of the world, Marxism may not fit. However, for those who view philosophy as the drive to change the world, Marxism is a powerful example of practical intellectual engagement.