Renaissance of Marxism

Speak about existentialism, thinkers came to the fore whose works had long been in existence. One should mention here are Max Horkheimer and Theodor W Adorno, whose “critical theory” fused Marxist criticism of society with the findings of psycho-analysis. They had great influence on the anti-authoritarian student movement which began in 1966. Also important, albeit less direct, was the impact of Ernst Bloch, probably the most original Marxist philosopher, who incorporated the entire. European cultural heritage in his philosophy of hope, innumerable other variations of Marxism found their adherents. But non-Marxist analyses of society were also discussed Gesselschaft (society) became the fashionable word of the age.

The interest in Marxism and sociological inquiry in general was in large measure prompted by doubts being articulated more frequently than previously. Too high, sometimes simply utopian hopes were placed in reforms begun in the late 60’s. They could not be fulfilled on the scale hoped for, especially when the economic crisis beginning in the 1970s greatly curbed the material means available. There upon disappointment, disillusionment with reform and an anti-utopian mood spread. Many observers saw in this a turn of the tide, a return of Conservatism.

Probably this interpretation is too superficial. It is true, however, that the belief in simple theories which claim to offer an explanation of all social phenomena, has become shaky, as has the idea that society could be changed quickly. One testimony to this is the growing following attracted by critical rationalism, a school of thought whose leading representative is Sir Karl Popper.

But beyond this, new problems have arisen which seem to fit into none of the inherited ways of looking at the world. Where the issues are destruction of the environment, depletion of natural resources and the possible limits to the economic growth, categories such as “progressive” and “conservative” are no longer applicable in their traditional meanings. Quite new fronts are coming into being cutting across all ideological camps.

Perhaps indicative of the latest developments is that natural scientific and socio-scientific thinking are again moving closer together. When Werner Heisenberg, one of the great nuclear physicists of the 20th century, published his unitary theory of elementary particles in the 60s it found respectful recognition in the interested public, but hardly influenced philosophical thinking about mankind and its position in the world.

Half a generation later things look completely different. Heisenberg’s pupil, Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker, formerly a physicist of renowned himself in 1970 founded an Institute for the study of the Preconditions of Human Life in the Modern World. He is representative of a generation of thinkers-who have turned to the new inter-disciplinary inquiry.

Philosophy are coming into being here and elsewhere do not yet have generally recognized names. But there is no doubt that they will lastingly influence public awareness in the immediate future.(*)