EARLY MARX:THE GERMAN IDEOLOGY (4 Week Course)
Course Introduction
There are some who believe that Marxism is a unified body of doctrine that offers, and presents itself as, a comprehensive account of human life and nature. When confronted with such beliefs, it can be useful to have in mind Marx’s playful disavowal: “Whatever Marxism is, I can say that I myself am no Marxist.” Indeed, in much of his writing, Marx is jocund and satirical and ironic; and these literary qualities cannot be separated out from the analytical content easily or profitably.
Of course Marx did present serious doctrines on...
Course Overview
In this 4-week module we will read together Marx and Engels' The German Ideology, along with supplementary critical literature. Our classes will be structured around discussion of the guided reading questions provided one week in advance. We will cover all of the above in closer detail, and by the end of the course you will have a good grasp of:
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the materialist conception of history (historical materialism)
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Young versus Old Hegelians
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The false materialism/humanism of Ludwig Feuerbach
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The Real Basis of Ideology
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Separation of State and Civil Society
