Philosophy and Politics: A Reading of Althusser

Author: Chen Yue
:
: 2003-12-01
Features: This translation collection is clear in its approach, first evident in the editor's accurate grasp of the development of Althusser's thought. The editor explicitly opposes the one-sided interpretations and applications of Althusser's thought both domestically and internationally. The selected articles are strictly limited to Althusser's theoretical journey of "self-criticism" (i.e., after 1967) and the theme of "philosophy and politics," accurately highlighting Althusser's uncompromising stance on materialism and class politics. After reading this translation collection and the editor's detailed and precise annotations, we can discover a "dominant" Althusser within the "infinite multiplicities and contradictions" of Althusser—someone not only a Marxist scholar with a spirit of self-criticism and extraordinary courage but also a heroic warrior who consciously engages in political struggles in his theoretical practice. This translation collection is divided into two parts: "The Politics of Philosophy" and "The Philosophy of Politics." Additionally, it includes evaluations of Althusser by Derrida and Jameson, as well as a comprehensive chronology of Althusser's life and works compiled by the editor. This collection includes three long articles that have been largely overlooked: "The Spontaneous Philosophy of the Philosopher (1967)," "Is It Easy to Become a Marxist in Philosophy?" and "Machiavelli and Us." In the editor's view, although these three articles are not considered Althusser's "main works," they play a crucial role in understanding the internal "configuration" of his theory. Louis Althusser is the spiritual father of several generations of radical intellectuals at the école Normale Supérieure. His name signifies "a vigilant and modern reinterpretation of Marxism" (Derrida), and his fate and glory have become a symbol of the great political tragedy of the contemporary era. This selection follows his extraordinary journey of "self-criticism" and centers on his dedication to exploring the relationship between philosophy and politics. It includes newly translated works such as "Philosophy Lessons," which served as the theoretical prelude to the great events of 1968, and "Machiavelli and Us," which stands as the author's final testament, along with carefully re-translated classic texts like "Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses." A new image of Althusser will reveal the scale of "flowing intelligence" that contemporary left-wing thought can possess.
Table of Contents:
Part 1: The Politics of Philosophy
- The Spontaneous Philosophy of the Philosopher (1967)
- Lenin and Philosophy
- Is It Easy to Become a Marxist in Philosophy?
- The Transformation of Philosophy
- Contemporary Marxism
Part 2: The Philosophy of Politics
- On the "Social Contract" (Various Displacements)
- Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses (Research Notes)
- Machiavelli and Us
Appendix
- Eulogy at Louis Althusser's Funeral / Jacques Derrida
- Preface to the New Edition of "Lenin and Philosophy" / Fredric Jameson
- Louis Althusser: A Chronology of Life and Works
Postscript: Althusser and Us