Adventures in Marxist Theory by Kellner, Douglas;

Short description:

Adventures in Marxist Theory provides an Introduction and overview of Marxian theory to demonstrate its contemporary relevance to social and political theory and a range of disciplines from philosophy to economics in both the humanities and the social sciences.

Long description:

Adventures in Marxist Theory provides an introduction and overview of Marxian theory to demonstrate its contemporary relevance to social and political theory and a range of disciplines from philosophy to economics in both the humanities and the social sciences. The text argues that current historical developments and the evolution of economics, politics, society, culture, technology, and everyday life demonstrates the contemporary relevance of Marxism in both theory and politics in the contemporary era.

The book presents a twenty-first century Marxism relevant to theorizing contemporary state capitalist and technological societies, critically dissecting their major social and political issues and problems, while advancing progressive social transformation in the interests of increased democracy and social justice. The volume opens with an Introduction describing a multi-disciplinary and critical approach to Marxism and its application to a wide range of contemporary issues, including the alienation of labor in the workplace, social divisions, and injustices such as classism, sexism, racism, and homophobia, and questions of technology, social media, and AI, as well as problems of ecological crisis, autocracy, and state oppression. Specific chapters address the Marxian critique of capitalism and theory of socialism, its concept of ideology and morality, its methodological synthesis of social science, critical theory, and its analyses of globalization, technology, and democracy.

Written by a distinguished scholar of Marxism, critical theory, and cultural and political studies, the volume will be a key resource for instructors, students, and readers in historical and contemporary sociology, social and critical theory, political sociology, political and cultural studies, and Marx and Marxist studies.

"As a guide to reading and understanding Marxist thought, this is a very helpful pedagogical resource. It brings compelling insights and original arguments in order to contribute to on-going debates in Marxian thought, e.g. did Marx believe in some kind of fixed human nature or essential features of what it means to be human? If so, did he maintain this belief throughout his life or move on from it? I appreciate that the book begins with a personal story of Marx and concludes with Marx?s contemporary relevance for understanding 21st century economic and political developments. The review and argumentation on Marxian debates is worthwhile, especially as it illustrates that Marxism is not a monolith but, in fact, a diverse field of study. It is commendable that the author is providing a legible review of Marxian thought while also engaging in serious debates in the field. This accessible review of Marx and Marxian thought will certainly be of interest to a new generation of students and teachers."
Timothy Clark, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Catawba College

"Douglas Kellner has developed in this critical study a luminous account of Marxist thought in its myriad philosophical, economic, political, and cultural dimensions. It constitutes both the preservation and concretization for today of a century of dialectical Marxism going all the way back to Luk

Table of Contents:

Foreword