PHIL 034. Marx and Marxism

Few figures have inspired as much admiration and detestation-and even fewer have had as global a reception-as Karl Marx. Movements for justice and emancipation throughout the 20th century embraced Marxist ideals as alternatives to the hegemonic and totalizing logics of capitalism and liberalism that had (and has) kept the majority of the world’s population in chains, both literally and metaphorically. A study of Marx’s core insights-that the contradictions inherent in capitalism will lead to its (and perhaps our) eventual demise-remains critical if we are to interrogate the resurgence of white supremacist fascism, the logics of neocolonial exploitation, and the origins of the looming climate catastrophes that define our present moment. Over the course of the semester, we will explore some key texts from Marx’s philosophical, historical, economic, and political works. We will begin by closely reading what we might consider Marx’s most overtly “philosophical” writings-those which form the bases of his ideas of historical materialism, alienation, human nature. We will then turn to Marx’s understanding of the development of capitalism and his critique of political economy before concluding with Marx’s writings on the end of capitalism and the need for revolutionary praxis.

PHIL distribution - H
Prerequisite: First- and second-year students must complete one introductory level PHIL course before enrolling in this course.
Humanities.
1 credit.
Eligible for INTP.
Fall 2024. Ahmed.
Catalog chapter: Philosophy
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/philosophy

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