The problem of knowledge from Marx to Wittgenstein : a study in idealism
The problem of knowledge from Marx to Wittgenstein : a study in idealism
This thesis attempts to establish the relevance of Marx's theory of knowledge to the understanding of social life. Two principal points provide the structure of the thesis, firstly attention is focussed on the Hegelian foundations of Marx's theory of knowledge. Since Hegellanism may be effectively contrasted with its traditional protagonist, empiricism, Marx's epistemology. is elaborated by considering a number of dichotomies erected by empiricism, such as the fact-value, appearance-reality, theory-practice, individual society dichotomies, which are transcended by Marxism. Secondly, it is argued that Marx's treatment of certain philosophical and methodological problems bears a striking resemblance to the work of Wittgenstein. Although Wittgenstein is often Identified with Anglo-Saxon thought, it is argued here that his intellectual affinities lie with German philosophy. Both Marx and Wittgenstein are therefore seen as much closer to German idealism than many commentators have assumed. Attention is also awarded to basic problems in social philosophy in their own right. Whilst intended to substantiate the above two points, the various chapters are at the same time designed as autonomous discussions of problems such as the relationship between holism and individualism, understanding and explanation. These topics are divided into two main areas, namely problems arising from Marx's theory of knowledge proper and problems connected with the methodological assumptions predicated on that theory of knowledge.In view of the vast resources available, much attention has been paid to the work of neo-Marxists such as LukScs, Goldmann and the Frankfurt School as well as that ofMarx himself. This is partly because Marx's theory of knowledge is not explicit in his work; it must be gleaned from many. random remarks and discussions on ideology. The elaboration of this theory in the work of modern Marxists is therefore of great interest. Furthermore such thinkers shout be seen as developing some of Marx's insights rather than simply offering an exigesis.
University of Southampton
1977
Easton, Susan Margaret
(1977)
The problem of knowledge from Marx to Wittgenstein : a study in idealism.
University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.
Record type:
Thesis
(Doctoral)
Abstract
This thesis attempts to establish the relevance of Marx's theory of knowledge to the understanding of social life. Two principal points provide the structure of the thesis, firstly attention is focussed on the Hegelian foundations of Marx's theory of knowledge. Since Hegellanism may be effectively contrasted with its traditional protagonist, empiricism, Marx's epistemology. is elaborated by considering a number of dichotomies erected by empiricism, such as the fact-value, appearance-reality, theory-practice, individual society dichotomies, which are transcended by Marxism. Secondly, it is argued that Marx's treatment of certain philosophical and methodological problems bears a striking resemblance to the work of Wittgenstein. Although Wittgenstein is often Identified with Anglo-Saxon thought, it is argued here that his intellectual affinities lie with German philosophy. Both Marx and Wittgenstein are therefore seen as much closer to German idealism than many commentators have assumed. Attention is also awarded to basic problems in social philosophy in their own right. Whilst intended to substantiate the above two points, the various chapters are at the same time designed as autonomous discussions of problems such as the relationship between holism and individualism, understanding and explanation. These topics are divided into two main areas, namely problems arising from Marx's theory of knowledge proper and problems connected with the methodological assumptions predicated on that theory of knowledge.In view of the vast resources available, much attention has been paid to the work of neo-Marxists such as LukScs, Goldmann and the Frankfurt School as well as that ofMarx himself. This is partly because Marx's theory of knowledge is not explicit in his work; it must be gleaned from many. random remarks and discussions on ideology. The elaboration of this theory in the work of modern Marxists is therefore of great interest. Furthermore such thinkers shout be seen as developing some of Marx's insights rather than simply offering an exigesis.
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Published date: 1977
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Local EPrints ID: 458630
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/458630
PURE UUID: a4e5278f-9cd0-431a-a906-e56c36cbc8d8
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Date deposited: 04 Jul 2022 16:52
Last modified: 04 Jul 2022 16:52
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Author:
Susan Margaret Easton
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