Marx famously wrote in his 11th Thesis on Feuerbach, "Philosophers have hitherto only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is to change it." At the same time, Marx's descriptions of society as class society, and of capitalism, are motivated by the idea that a rigorous analysis of social conditions must inform political action capable of changing those conditions. The purpose of this group is to read and discuss works by Marx, Marxists, and other thinkers from the historical materialist tradition that describe historical changes in capitalism leading up to the present and outline the political and strategic problems faced by those who seek to intervene in history. New members are welcome.In this session, we'll be reading Walter Benjamin's essay "On the Concept of History." Written as fascism seemed ready to conquer Europe, this famously cryptic text turns orthodox Marxist notions of progress and history on its head. Additional readings coming soon!
Readings:
Ellen Meiksins Wood, "History or Technological Determinism?"
Walter Benjamin, "On the Concept of History"
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