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The Ghost is Back, Again.

Authors :
Yair, Gad
Soyer, Michaela
Source :
Journal of Classical Sociology; Aug2008, Vol. 8 Issue 3, p323-343, 21p
Publication Year :
2008

Abstract

This paper proposes to re-read Marx's oeuvre through the cultural narrative of the Golem. It suggests that this narrative reappeared in the writings of Karl Marx throughout his career. There are three typical parts in this narrative: (a) the will of men to be empowered; (b) the use of a non-human material instrument to garner this power; culminating in (c) the instrument developing an autonomous spirit, which fatefully makes it turn against its master, leading to personal alienation and social destruction. This paper shows that the three-part composition of the Golem reappears in Marx's writings while focusing on four major topics: the dialectical analysis of history; the historical development of capitalism and its expected eventual demise; the theory of alienation; and his conception of the fetishism of machines, money, and commodities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1468795X
Volume :
8
Issue :
3
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Journal of Classical Sociology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
34036353
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/1468795X08092382