Contemporary forms of Marxian alienation and the communitarian critique of liberalism
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the structure and the relevance of the concept of alienation in the work of Marx, with an eye toward demonstrating the continuity of the theory of alienation throughout his writings, particularly the Grundrisse. In sharp contrast to critics who claim that alienation theory is no longer relevant to a post-industrial, post-modern society, I posit four contemporary manifestations of alienation (corresponding to the four constituents suggested by Marx) in American culture: current conditions of capitalistic exchange; the current crisis regarding health care; the post-modern development of the self, including personality and character development; and the social production of urban space. Having demonstrated the contemporary relevance of Marx's conception of alienation, I proceed to examine current communitarian criticisms of liberalism. The communitarian critique of liberalism inadequately addresses the fundamental issues which it attempts to resolve, I contend, because communitarian theory does not take Marxian critiques of alienation seriously. Consequently, the communitarian project needs to be reevaluated in light of these findings.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
McBride, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Philosophy|Labor economics
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