The aim of this book is to justify the need for, and to carry out, a reconstruction of historical materialism. In advocating that historical materialism be viewed as a theory of practice, the author argues against the determinism of "orthodox" Marxism, but is nevertheless sensitive to the cleavages and disjunctures that are present in the works of Marx and Engels, and the need to resolve them. Traditionally, reconstruction has been presented in two different ways. First, as the introduction of rigour and scientificity into Marxism in order to show that structural factors which can be precisely defined are able fully to determine and explain social change and historical developments. Second, as an attempt to rescue Marxism from the rigidities of orthodox Soviet Marxism, in order to show that, although social change and history are structurally conditionsed, the result from human practices and class struggles that are not fully pre-ordained. After identifying some areas of tension in Marx's and Engels' thought, Jorge Larrain shows how the orthodox interpretation emerged, and how it has subsequently been defended. He then offers and extensive critique of its tenets and proposes an alternative solution which alters some of the emphases and proportions laid down by Marx and Engels themselves. Scholars and students in sociology, politics and philosophy should find this book a clear discussion of the most relevant issues concerning historical materialism, and a cogent presentation of arguments in favour of reconstructing it as a theory of practice.

A reconstruction of historical materialism (Controversies in sociology)

Politics & Social Sciences

Jorge Larraín

Social Sciences

HarperCollins Publishers, Ltd

Concept Of Ideology PB

This book introduces the reader to the concept of ideology and discusses analytically the basis upon which diverse schools of thought build up their theories. It covers the most significant contributions to the concept by emphasizing a critical and analytical approach within a loose historical framework. The main questions which the book sets out to clarify are whether ideology is conceived negatively or positively; whether it is regarded as a subjective, psychological phenomenon or an objective social one; whether it is seen as a specific element in the "superstructure" of society and as identical with the whole sphere of cuture; and finally, how ideology is related to, and differentiated from science. Within his historical framework Jorge Larrain examines, in thorough and searching manner, the coherence and value of some of the most important conceptions of ideology, from Mannheim to the modern structuralist.

The concept of ideology

Hutchinson

Marxism and Ideology

Philosophy

Humanities Press

The Concept of Ideology

University of Georgia Press

Este libro de Jorge Larrain explora de manera sistematica las relaciones entre modernidad, globalizacion, neoliberalismo e identidad en AmericaLatina. El objetivo es contestar algunas preguntas pendientes que no han sido suficientemente analizadas y dilucidar algunas confusiones conceptuales que se han ido difundiendo.

America Latina, moderna? Globalizacion e identidad (Spanish Edition)

Lom Editorial

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Books by Jorge Larraín