Ethical Marxism and Its Radical Critics

Ethical Marxism and its Radical Critics presents and defends a form of Marxism which is radically democratic and emancipatory. Lawrence Wilde argues that Marx's conception of human essence provides the basis for a humanistic ethic which permeates his social theory. Its key elements of essence and teleology owe much to Marx's profound debt to Greek philosophy and culture. In the 20th century the Marxian ethic has been developed by a number of theorists, and Wilde examines the contributions of Marcuse and Fromm in analyzing modern forms of alienation and pointing to ways in which prevailing values are challenged. Wilde confronts the criticisms of Habermas and Gorz, who both acknowledge Marx's humanistic ethic but found it narrowly productivist and authoritarian. Feminist and ecological critics are also explored. This book offers insights into how progress might be made towards a socialist ethical community.