John F. Sitton

Marx's Theory of the Transcendence of the State

A Reconstruction

• Gebundenes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

One of the most striking and neglected arguments of Marx's political theory is that the state will be "transcended" or "wither away" with the development of communism. This work reconstructs Marx's thesis through a comprehensive analysis of various discussions by Marx from his early critique of Hegel through his mature work. The author concludes that the plausibility of the thesis crucially depends upon the specific institutional forms of the "transitional state" and the possibilities for transforming the social division of labor.

Produktdetails

• American University Studies 19
• Verlag: Peter Lang
• Artikelnr. des Verlages: 60827
• Neuausg.
• Seitenzahl: 224
• Englisch
• Gewicht: 390g
• ISBN-13: 9780820408279
• ISBN-10: 0820408271
• Artikelnr.: 24499020

Inhaltsangabe

Contents: This is a reconstruction of a particular aspect of Marx's political theory: the "withering away" of the state. It focuses on Marx's critique of Hegel, the role of the division of labor, political representation of the proletariat, and the Paris Commune.

Rezensionen

"He examines the many formulations of Marx and Engels of the state's transcendence and offers a sophisticated yet readable reconstruction of this important theme. ...He provides a thoughtful and timely discussion of the difficulties for transitional regimes in this context. Sitton's conclusion underlines the importance of the mediation of political institutions, a view also found in a number of recent studies of Marxism." (H.G. Reid, Choice)
"John Sitton calls his work a 'reconstruction'; but that phrase gives little idea of the scope, originality or critical purpose of the project, nor of the skill and economy with which it is carried out. ... Sitton's perceptive critical discussion sheds new light on ø...! Marx's political theory. It deserves a wide readership." (Sean Sayers, Political Studies)