Free Development of Each, Free Development of All: Marshall Bermanâs Marxism
In: Historical MaterialismSearch for other papers by Philippe Le Goff in
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Abstract
This article offers a detailed exposition and critical analysis of the work of Marshall Berman. It argues that Bermanâs entire project is best understood as an attempt to advance a Marxist humanism according to which the âfree developmentâ of the self is primary. Foregrounding Bermanâs notion of self-development, it claims, allows us to make sense of his work as a whole â its genesis and elaboration, its underlying assumptions and consistent priorities. The article therefore seeks to: 1) establish âfree developmentâ as the regulative ideal or guiding norm of Bermanâs Marxism; 2) explore the implications of this foundational gesture across Bermanâs writings, discussing how it shapes â and is shaped by â his view of social forces, public space and politics; 3) pose some critical questions and tease out some ambiguities and tensions in Bermanâs thinking. Above all, I want to consider the extent to which Bermanâs âpolitics of authenticityâ offers concrete political purchase on the world it seeks to change.
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Free Development of Each, Free Development of All: Marshall Bermanâs Marxism
In: Historical MaterialismSearch for other papers by Philippe Le Goff in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
This article offers a detailed exposition and critical analysis of the work of Marshall Berman. It argues that Bermanâs entire project is best understood as an attempt to advance a Marxist humanism according to which the âfree developmentâ of the self is primary. Foregrounding Bermanâs notion of self-development, it claims, allows us to make sense of his work as a whole â its genesis and elaboration, its underlying assumptions and consistent priorities. The article therefore seeks to: 1) establish âfree developmentâ as the regulative ideal or guiding norm of Bermanâs Marxism; 2) explore the implications of this foundational gesture across Bermanâs writings, discussing how it shapes â and is shaped by â his view of social forces, public space and politics; 3) pose some critical questions and tease out some ambiguities and tensions in Bermanâs thinking. Above all, I want to consider the extent to which Bermanâs âpolitics of authenticityâ offers concrete political purchase on the world it seeks to change.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 482 | 482 | 92 |
| Full Text Views | 76 | 76 | 6 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 194 | 194 | 17 |
