Diverse Perspectives on Marxist Philosophy - (Contributions in Philosophy) by Sara F Luther (Hardcover)

About the Book

In the first dialogue of its kind after the abandonment of communism in Eastern Europe, philosophers from Russia, Hungary, Canada, and the United States engage in a timely and searching exchange of views. In a critical examination of Marxism's theory and practice, they ask: What in it was true and relevant to human progress? What are its successes, limitations, and failures? How can it be improved?

This volume brings together scholars from Russia, Hungary, Canada, and the United States to analyze and discuss the past, present, and future status of Marxist philosophy. Their contributions take on special significance in light of the changes in the economies and governments of the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and the displacement of Marxism as the official state philosophy.

The essays examine questions fundamental to Marxist philosophy: the hegemonic and post-hegemonic role of Marxism in social movements; the creative presence of Marxism in the history of philosophy and thought; its successes and the causes of its failures in theory and practice; the pathways of correction; the need to broaden Marxism by making use of Western concepts; and many other critical questions that must be raised to understand the ongoing development of Marxist thought. Essential reading for all scholars and researchers concerned with the place of Marxism in history and thought.

Book Synopsis

In the first dialogue of its kind after the abandonment of communism in Eastern Europe, philosophers from Russia, Hungary, Canada, and the United States engage in a timely and searching exchange of views. In a critical examination of Marxism's theory and practice, they ask: What in it was true and relevant to human progress? What are its successes, limitations, and failures? How can it be improved?

This volume brings together scholars from Russia, Hungary, Canada, and the United States to analyze and discuss the past, present, and future status of Marxist philosophy. Their contributions take on special significance in light of the changes in the economies and governments of the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and the displacement of Marxism as the official state philosophy.

The essays examine questions fundamental to Marxist philosophy: the hegemonic and post-hegemonic role of Marxism in social movements; the creative presence of Marxism in the history of philosophy and thought; its successes and the causes of its failures in theory and practice; the pathways of correction; the need to broaden Marxism by making use of Western concepts; and many other critical questions that must be raised to understand the ongoing development of Marxist thought. Essential reading for all scholars and researchers concerned with the place of Marxism in history and thought.

Review Quotes

." . . A much needed and highly provocative contribution to one of the major philosophical as well as political controversies of our time."- Bertell Ollman, author Dialectical Investigations

"I have read the contributions to Diverse Perspectives, always with interest, often with agreement and sympathy. They show that there is at least as much future for Marxism as there was a place for it in the past."-Dirk J. Struik Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"No one concerned with the revival of Marxism, and with the shaping of human alternatives to both capitalism and authoritarianism, should miss this book!"- David Laibman, editor Science and Society

"This collection...is very much to be welcomed....(The contributors) show how very much alive Marxism is and something of how it can function as a guide in a world that very much needs a fundamental transformation."- Kai Nielsen Professor Emeritus of Philosophy University of Calgary, Canada

About the Author

SARA F. LUTHER is a former Minnesota state legislator. Her writings include The United States and the Direct Broadcast Satellite (1988).

JOHN J. NEUMAIER is a former president of Moorhead State University and of the State University of New York College at New Paltz. He is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Social Theory, State University of New York Empire State College.

HOWARD L. PARSONS is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, University of Bridgeport. He has published extensively on Marxist thought and religion.