Twentieth Century Philosophy Classic Texts - 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," engaging in scholastic interpretations of old works—works that have, to some extent, been "surpassed" by modern research—as if they were a holy scripture, and seeking the source of truth only within them and nowhere else—is increasingly considered "unscientific." If the question is posed in this way, then the only appropriate response is a sympathetic smile. But in reality, it is not (and never has been) so simply posed. 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 could still wholeheartedly accept all such new conclusions, abandon all of Marx's arguments without for a moment abandoning his Marxist orthodoxy. 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 is it 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.