Theory is written every day. Just because some of the foundational works that still hold up are hundreds of years old does not mean these are the only works we recommend reading. Gabriel Rockhill for example just came out with a book talking about how the CIA and capitalist institutions monopolize mainstream “radical” theory, twisting it into something that coexists with imperialism, such as the work of Slavoj Zizek.
Secondly, the idea isn’t that reading theory will make capitalism wither away, but instead that correct theory informs correct practice. Theory helps us understand capitalism, socialism, imperialism, organization, class struggle, science, culture, art, and helps us figure out how to establish socialism. Trying to reject theory for a monumental task like establishing socialism is like refusing to study physics in trying to land on Mars.
Gabriel Rockhill for example just came out with a book talking about how the CIA and capitalist institutions monopolize mainstream “radical” theory, twisting it into something that coexists with imperialism, such as the work of Slavoj Zizek.
I’m unaware of Adorno’s work and haven’t read Rockhill’s book, so I can’t say whether it’s good or bad. My point is that new theory and analysis is being written constantly, which is true.
Thanks for linking that, though, I’ll check further.
Theory is written every day. Just because some of the foundational works that still hold up are hundreds of years old does not mean these are the only works we recommend reading. Gabriel Rockhill for example just came out with a book talking about how the CIA and capitalist institutions monopolize mainstream “radical” theory, twisting it into something that coexists with imperialism, such as the work of Slavoj Zizek.
Secondly, the idea isn’t that reading theory will make capitalism wither away, but instead that correct theory informs correct practice. Theory helps us understand capitalism, socialism, imperialism, organization, class struggle, science, culture, art, and helps us figure out how to establish socialism. Trying to reject theory for a monumental task like establishing socialism is like refusing to study physics in trying to land on Mars.
If you want a place to start with theory, check out my intro Marxist-Leninist reading list.
That’s funny, because the book is objectively bad and full of awful readings of the Frankfurt school.
I’m unaware of Adorno’s work and haven’t read Rockhill’s book, so I can’t say whether it’s good or bad. My point is that new theory and analysis is being written constantly, which is true.
Thanks for linking that, though, I’ll check further.