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Habituation, a form of non-associative learning, occurs when a repeated, inconsequential stimulus gradually elicits a weaker response. An example includes a baby’s diminished response to the sound of a vacuum cleaner after repeated exposure. This process involves the adaptation of neural pathways in the brain, specifically in the amygdala and hippocampus, reducing the response to…

In Marxist theory, the state is seen as an instrument of class oppression, reflecting the interests of the bourgeoisie in capitalist societies. It maintains social order through force and coercion, perpetuating the exploitation of the proletariat. This bourgeois state is to be overthrown in a socialist revolution, followed by a “dictatorship of the proletariat” during…

Neo-Marxist theory, rooted in the Frankfurt School, applies Marxist concepts to critique modern society and culture. Neo-Marxists argue that the capitalist system perpetuates alienation, reification, and false consciousness, shaping political and cultural structures. They emphasize the role of ideology and hegemony in maintaining the status quo, focusing on power relations, lived experiences, and cultural production…

Specters of Marx delves into the multifaceted legacy of Marxist thought, exploring its philosophical foundations, influential figures, and cultural expressions. It analyzes the impact of capitalism on society, examining concepts like alienation and class struggle. The text discusses the political ideologies stemming from Marxism, its contemporary relevance, and its contributions to various academic disciplines. Marxist…

In “The Poverty of Philosophy,” Karl Marx engages in a polemic against Pierre-Joseph Proudhon’s mutualist anarchism, critiquing his economic theories and advocating for a revolutionary class struggle. Drawing inspiration from Hegel’s dialectic, Marx argues that capitalism inherently exploits the working class through surplus value, leading to alienation and the necessity of a socialist revolution to…

Lenin’s praxis, a synthesis of Marxist theory and revolutionary practice, emphasized praxis—the unity of theory and practice. Core concepts included dialectical materialism, class struggle, and the vanguard party. Lenin’s praxis influenced the Russian Revolution and shaped Bolshevik policies on land redistribution and nationalization. Despite criticisms of authoritarianism, his ideas on praxis remain influential in contemporary…

Estranged labor, a concept introduced by Karl Marx, describes the alienation of workers from their labor under capitalism. This results from the commodification of labor and its products, creating a disconnect between the worker and the fruits of their toil. Economic alienation extends beyond the workplace, influencing social and cultural aspects of life, as objects…

Species Being Marx encapsulates the concept of species-being, a key tenet in the work of Karl Marx, which suggests that humans are social beings whose essence is realized through their interactions and relationships with others, particularly in productive labor. Marx believed that under capitalism, human potential is alienated as workers are reduced to commodities and…

Is Kingsolver a Marxist? Barbara Kingsolver’s work intersects with Marxist themes of class conflict and exploitation, as evident in her exploration of ecofeminism, environmental sustainability, and social justice. While not explicitly Marxist, her writing echoes ideas of the Marxist Literary Group and Communist Party USA, which sought to portray the oppression of workers and the…

Jacques Derrida’s “Specters of Marx” explores the haunting presence of Marxism in contemporary society through the lens of Derrida’s deconstructive philosophy. Derrida examines Marx’s concept of communism as a “specter” that continues to linger, despite its perceived disappearance. Through concepts like “hauntology” and the “trace,” Derrida argues that the legacy of Marx’s ideas remains spectral,…

Camus rejected Marxism as its historical materialism reduced human existence to economic processes, negating individual freedom and moral responsibility. He believed that Marxism’s focus on class struggle and economic exploitation ignored the existential crisis of meaninglessness and the need for personal fulfillment. Camus argued that while societal change was important, it should not be achieved…

In the realm of elite networks and institutions, “father and son bourgeois” holds significant sway through family and business connections, access to exclusive financial services, and influence over philanthropic endeavors. They wield power in finance and investment, real estate ownership, and legal services, shaping economic outcomes and social hierarchies. Family and Business Connections: The Elite’s…