For Marx

by Louis Althusser and Louis Althusser (Author); Ben Brewster (Translator)

Book Overview

A milestone in the development of post-war Marxist thought.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0902308793
• ISBN13: 9780902308794
• Release Date: January 1985
• Publisher: Verso
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Brilliant

Although often characterized as 'structuralist' Marxism, this crucial work of textual analysis represents the major turning point in Althusser's Marxian project. Through a radical re-reading of Marx's corpus, Althusser posits an 'epistemological break' which splits Marx's corpus into the humanist and scientific division. Althusser provides us with brilliant critical assessments of the U.S.S.R.'s later appropriation of the humanist Marx to obscure it's own totalitarian impulses. 'Contradiction and Overdetermination' is an absolute tour-de-force of Marxian thought; Althusser scrutinizes the minute particulars of the ruptural force inherent in revolutionary transitions, as well as the nuances of levels of affectivity within the superstructure. Althusser wanted to steer us clear of Stalinist reductions regarding 'dialectical materialism,' and to see the radically complex and sophisticated achievement of Marxian science for what it is. This little text is a remarkable contribution to that effort.

HIgh Marks, For Marx

It's been about 25 years since I last read (and reread) this work. "For Marx" and its contextual paradigm influenced me profoundly and contributed vital strands that have formed the course of my life. I think the key theme in Althusser's work and the trend of Marxism of which it is a part is to assert that a high order of thought is needed to be of real benefit to the underdog. I feel Althussers effort (as is Marxism) is a noble if preliminary effort in what can only be termed an epochal effort to consciously rise from the mire of human life dominated by topdogs. What was useful to Marxism of that time was to really take seriously the importance of Psychoanalysis and the pervasive presence of the Uncounscious. Another helpful idea is that of the multi-valenced quality of "social formation" in Contradiction and Overdetermination. Although my philosophical horizons are not defined by Marxism these days, much of Marxism, especially the currents populated by the likes of Althusser, Poulantzas, Gramsci etc. has an honored place in my intellectual tool kit. I feel that the wish to consciously transform our life in a benefical way may be assisted by the likes of Althusser et al, though in and of itself this is not enough.

An underrated classic of Marxism

This collection of essays includes the seminal moments of many concepts still alive in Marxism and academia at large. The essays on "Contradiction and Overdetermination", "On the Young Marx", "Marxism and Humanism", and on the 1844 Manuscripts deserve to be revisited by a wider audience today in light of the growing interest in Marxism informed by post-structuralist thought. Much of Derrida's work owes an unacknowledged debt to the interpretations presented here (e.g. Althusser's concept of overdetermination, and his principled anti-humanism). Highly recommended to those interested in Marxist philosophy.

ISAs and Beyond

Any serious reader of Louis the Horrible is well-versed in the Althusserian arsenal of stock concepts and phrases: ISAs, interpellation, structuralist Marxism, et al. Perhaps a return to Pour Marx is in order amid the all-too-easy refutations of Althusser's legacy (c.f. Ferry and Renault) and the negligent historicizing of the veritably revolutionary/'evental' thinking that was mobilized in pieces like "Contradiction and Overdetermination." There's nothing to be ashamed of: take a look at this seminal work!