Classics of 20th Century Philosophy · Western Marxism Volume

Author: Chief Editor: Chen Xueming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: Excerpt: p; What is orthodox Marxism? Philosophers have only interpreted the world in different ways, the problem lies in changing the world. Marx: "Theses on Feuerbach" This seemingly simple question has become a frequently discussed topic both among the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. However, in academia, any declaration of belief in orthodox Marxism has gradually become a fashionable target for sarcastic ridicule. Even within the "socialist" camp, opinions differ on which arguments constitute the essence of Marxism and which can be "permitted" to be criticized or even discarded without losing the right to be seen as "orthodox" Marxists. As a result, instead of conducting an "impartial" study of "facts," treating old works—somewhat surpassed by modern research like the Bible—with scholastic interpretation, and seeking the source of truth only within them and nowhere else, is increasingly considered "unscientific." If the issue is raised in this way, then the only appropriate response is a sympathetic smile. But in reality, it is not (and never has been) so simply put. Let us assume for the sake of argument that new research completely refutes every individual argument of Marx. Even if this is proven, every serious "orthodox" Marxist can still wholeheartedly accept all such new conclusions, abandon all of Marx's arguments, without for a moment abandoning his orthodoxy of Marxism. Therefore, orthodox Marxism does not mean uncritically accepting the results of Marx's research. It is not a "belief" in this or that argument, nor an interpretation of a "sacred" book. On the contrary, the orthodoxy in Marxist issues refers solely to the method. It is a scientific belief that dialectical Marxism is the correct research method, a method that can only develop, expand, and deepen according to the way its founder established it. Moreover, any attempt to overcome it or "improve" it has already and will inevitably lead to superficiality, mediocrity, and compromise.