Date: Sun, 27 Oct 1996 11:48:54 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Re: M-TH: marxian, marxist


All interesting observations here... I suppose that I've encountered lots
of usages through my own academic life.   I would probably describe myself
as a scholar of Marx, but not a Marxian.  Somehow, that seems to suggest
that I accept Marx's substantive categories... or that I adhere to his
substantive theoretical project.  Truth is, I find lots of what he says
compelling, and I am quite impressed by his methodology.  I think he has a
lot of important and valid things to say as well -- but I don't buy into
the labor theory of value, or the belief in a communist ideal, and I often
criticize socialists on the basis of Austrian-Misesian-Hayekian
calculation arguments... so how could I call myself a "Marxian"?

On the other hand, I've often used the term "Marxist" in a purely
ideological or political manner -- somebody who favors the political goals
implicit in Marx's writings, namely, the abolition of capitalism, the
hegemony of the proletariat, etc.  I suspect that one could be a Marxian
analyst -- one who uses Marx's categories of analysis -- without being a
Marxist -- one who accepts Marx's substantive political goals.

This is all very provocative stuff... I'd be interested to see more
discussion.
- Chris
=================================================Chris Matthew Sciabarra, Ph.D
Visiting Scholar, NYU Department of Politics
INTERNET:  sciabrrc-AT-is2.nyu.edu
http://pages.nyu.edu/~sciabrrc
=================================================


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